TRENTON, Ga. (WDEF) — The Dade County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO) announced the passing of one of its newest K-9 units, Georgia.
On July 13, 2025, Georgia was left inside her K-9 unit while her handler was inside the sheriff’s office.
DCSO said the incident occurred on a day when the heat index in Trenton reached between 100 and 102 degrees.
An internal investigation found that the vehicle’s air conditioning compressor malfunctioned and needed a full replacement.
The car’s heat alarm system was also not working at the time.
Georgia’s death was caused by a mix of extreme heat, equipment failure, and being left unattended for what DCSO considered to be an “unacceptable amount of time”.
As a result, the handler responsible for Georgia is no longer employed with DCSO.
Sheriff Cross also ordered that any K-9 unit with faulty or missing equipment be immediately taken out of service.
The case has since been turned over to the Dade County District Attorney’s Office to determine if criminal charges are appropriate.
“Our hearts are aching at the loss of K-9 Georgia. Many of you know that she was donated to us by a local family, at no cost to the sheriff’s office. She was an amazing bloodhound who was sweet, goofy, and had all the potential to be the “best of the best”. She will be deeply missed by everyone at our office, and by anyone who had the pleasure to meet her.”
– Dade County Sheriff’s Office
