FAUQUIER COUNTY, Va. — A loyal K9 member of the Virginia State Police department has passed away after suffering heat exhaustion while on the job, Fauquier County Sheriff's Office K-9 Unit posted on Facebook Tuesday morning.
Officials said on Sunday afternoon, State Trooper Lewis and K9 Duke were looking for suspects who fled the scene of a hit and run crash when K9 Duke got over-heated in the humidity.
K9 Duke was immediately taken to the emergency vet in serious condition. He received treatment overnight and in a post released by Virginia State Police Monday, officials said his conditions had improved for a bit. Shedding light that the department was "...praying for a quick and full recovery!"
But on Tuesday, officials said he was not able to recover despite Trooper Lewis swiftly getting him the care he needed.
"K-9 Duke crossed the rainbow bridge tonight, with Trooper Lewis and his family by his side," Virginia State Police said in a Facebook post.
K9 Duke was able to peacefully cross to the other side and received a hero’s escort for his final ride, officials said. He was escorted by K-9 Teams from nearby jurisdictions and fellow VSP K-9 Teams from across Virginia.