Deputy disciplined, reassigned after K-9 partner’s death

Published:

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) – A north Florida deputy whose K-9 partner died in the backseat of his patrol car will keep his job but will no longer work with the agency’s dogs.

An Alachua County Sheriff’s Office news release issued Monday says Deputy Tommy Willcox will work six days without pay and spend three months on disciplinary probation.

Officials say Willcox’s K-9, Robbie, died from heat exhaustion in July at his Newberry home. Robbie was left inside the car while Willcox joined his family. He returned to the car and found the dog unresponsive in the backseat.

Sheriff Sadie Darnell said in the release that the agency is in the process of installing additional electronic safety features to all K-9 patrol vehicles, in addition to existing safety measures.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.