A Highlands County, Florida Sheriff's K-9 died after falling ill during a training exercise Thursday afternoon.
K-9 Billy and his handler, Deputy Dusty McGee, were participating in the training exercise with the other K-9 units in a rural part of the county when the incident occurred, according to a news release.
The 6-year-old blood hound was transported by ambulance to Sebring Animal Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Billy has been credited with locating numerous missing persons and suspects during his six years of service.
"We 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," Lieutenant Jim McGann, K-9 Unit supervisor, said in a statement.
The memorial services for K-9 Billy are pending at this time.
