Died – 6\/16\/16
\nHandler – Deputy Dusty McGee<\/p>\n
Sheriff\u2019s K-9 blood hound, Billy, dies<\/p>\n
The Highlands County Sheriff\u2019s Office is mourning the death of its K-9 Billy Thursday, a 6-year-old blood hound. Billy and his handler, deputy Dusty McGee, were taking part in a training exercise Thursday when Billy became ill. Paramedics were called and he was taken by ambulance to Sebring Animal Hospital where he passed away. All seven K-9 units were participating in a training exercise in rural Highlands County when the accident occurred. No other K-9s nor their deputy partners, were injured in the exercise. Billy has been credited with locating many missing people and suspects during his 6 years of service, the sheriff\u2019s office said. Lt. Jim McGann, K-9 unit supervisor said, \u201cWe are all deeply saddened at the loss of K-9 Billy. We are thankful for everything he was able to accomplish for our citizens during his time with us and our hearts go out to his handler, deputy McGee, and to the other members of the K-9 unit who are all grieving at this unfortunate loss.\u201d Memorial services are pending. More information will be available when arrangements are finalized. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Died – 6\/16\/16 Handler – Deputy Dusty McGee Sheriff\u2019s K-9 blood hound, Billy, dies The Highlands County Sheriff\u2019s Office is mourning the death of its K-9 Billy Thursday, a 6-year-old blood hound. Billy and his handler, deputy Dusty McGee, were taking part in a training exercise Thursday when Billy became ill. Paramedics were called and …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1895,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[26],"class_list":["post-1892","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","","category-k9memorial","tag-fl"],"yoast_head":"\n