Upstate New York Sheriff’s Deputy Suspended After Death of K-9 Officer

An Upstate New York sheriff’s deputy has been suspended without pay following the death of one of the department’s K-9 officers.

Earlier this month, we learned that the Albany County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) was asking for the public’s help in locating one of its K-9 officers after she was reported missing from her home in the village of Ravena, NY.

Missing Police K-9 in Albany, NY

It all started on Saturday, August 15th, when ACSO K-9 Casey was reported missing from her home. The Albany County Sheriff’s Office quickly asked the public to keep an eye out for her as they searched for the missing K-9.

Police K9 Found Dead Albany, NY

Sadly, the next day, Sunday, August 16th, Sheriff Craig Apple announced that Casey had been found dead in the median of the New York State Thruway, approximately a half-mile from her home. According to authorities, Casey had reportedly been struck by a vehicle and left at the scene.

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The heartbreaking discovery has now led to disciplinary action against Casey’s handler as the sheriff’s office continues to investigate exactly what happened.

Upstate New York Sheriff’s Deputy Suspended

The deputy responsible for Casey has not been identified but has been suspended without pay, according to WTEN. Authorities have also removed another dog that was in the deputy’s care.

Sheriff Apple previously said it appeared that the latch on Casey’s kennel may not have been completely secured. Investigators are now working to piece together a timeline and determine how Casey was able to get out of the home.

The sheriff’s office has not released many additional details as the investigation remains ongoing.

Devastating Loss

Following Casey’s death, Sheriff Apple thanked everyone who helped search for the K-9, shared information, and kept an eye out for her after she was reported missing. “We are devastated by this loss and incredibly grateful to everyone who helped search, shared information, and kept an eye out for Casey,” Apple said.

The sheriff also asked the public to keep Casey’s handler, family, and everyone who knew her in their thoughts.