FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A 2-year-old Flagler County K-9 died Tuesday after suffering a medical episode, according to the sheriff’s office.
During a routine break while overseeing the training of a new K-9 team, Master Deputy Marcus Dawson found his partner, Kyro, unresponsive inside of a patrol vehicle that was outfitted with functioning K-9 and vehicle protection systems such as air conditioning and a heat alarm, the sheriff’s office said on social media.
Dawson rushed Kyro to a emergency veterinary clinic, where the German shepherd died despite life-saving efforts, the post states.
A necropsy performed Wednesday morning revealed Kyro had an undiagnosed heart condition from birth, the sheriff’s office said.
“We are deeply heartbroken by K-9 Kyro’s passing,” Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly said in a statement. “Our K-9s are not just working dogs, they’re trusted partners to their handlers and beloved members of our Sheriff’s Office family. I ask everyone to keep Master Deputy Dawson, and everyone at FCSO, in your thoughts and prayers. K-9 Kyro’s dedication and loyalty exemplified the very best of public service. As we mourn this tremendous loss, I ask that our community join us in honoring his memory and selfless service to the residents of Flagler County.”
Kyro, a German Shepherd, was born on December 13, 2022. He joined the agency in August 2024 and was trained as a dual-purpose K-9 in both patrol and narcotics detection. During his short career, he aided in arresting 37 subjects, helped in the detection and seizure of 65 grams of illegal narcotics, and located 25 items of drug paraphernalia.
He will be greatly missed.
Funeral arrangements and further details will be released when available.
Flagler County Sheriff's Office: FCSO K-9 Kyro Passes after Suffering a Medical Episode (excerpt)
All Flagler County Sheriff’s Office K-9s get regular check-ups by an agency veterinarian, the release states.