Sheriff’s Office mourns unexpected loss of K9
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IDAHO FALLS —- Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies are mourning the unexpected loss of one of their K9s.
Drax, the newest K9 at the Sheriff’s Office, fell ill Friday and was taken to a Boise veterinary clinic. Drax, a Belgian Malinois, passed away Sunday morning before being escorted by local law enforcement back to Idaho Falls.
“When we select a K9 handler, it’s a rather heavy commitment because you are adding this K9 element to not just your work life, but also your home life,” BCSO spokesman Sgt. Bryan Lovell told EastIdahoNews.com. “(With) home, family and work, (you) get attached really quickly … it’s a surprise for everyone.”
The Sheriff’s Office said Drax’s passing hurts deeply even though the K9 joined his handler Deputy J. Judy on the streets of Bonneville County just three months ago. Before hitting the roads, Judy spent 10 weeks in intensive training to prepare for years of service.
“It’s a long commitment with that partner and it requires a lot of training and continual training,” Lovell said.
Lovell explained the Sheriff’s Office is grateful for the community support already shown for Drax, his handler and the rest of the office.
“That is a testament for the amount of support we (law enforcement) already have in the community and we really appreciate that,” Lovell said.