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Hancock County K-9, Midas, dies

NEW CUMBERLAND — The Hancock County Sheriff’s Department has announced the death of K-9 Midas, a member of the department’s Canine Unit.

An open letter to county residents released by Sheriff Ralph Fletcher Monday afternoon, stated Midas, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois/German shepherd mix, died following “a series of unforeseen events.”

Midas, the letter reads, was in his vehicle kennel when the air conditioning unit of the cruiser malfunctioned.

“Our K-9 vehicles are installed with safety equipment windows which are designed to drop the two back windows, activate a fan and sound an alarm when the temperature inside reaches a particular level,” the letter states. “Unfortunately, this equipment failed also.”

Once it was discovered the equipment had failed, officials attempted to lower Midas’ temperature by packing him in ice, and immediately transported him to Town and Country Animal Hospital in Wheeling. The Wheeling Police Department was notified, stopping the sheriff’s department transport at the Wheeling city limits to lend aid and apply more ice.

The veterinarian and staff at Town and Country Animal Hospital took over Midas’ care, and he began responding within a short time, the letter states. Updates were passed throughout the day to his handler, Deputy Pat Hoder.

“Due to his initial recovery and his increased mobility, the clinic became concerned. Midas was sedated in order to give him rest,” the letter states. “However, Midas managed to pull his catheter out, and it is believed that this action may have caused a blood clot to be dislodged with a seizure following its passing.”

Midas joined the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department in July 2015, paired with Hoder, who has been with the department for 15 years and a K-9 handler for 11 years.

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