Deputy Ronnie Decell and K9 FoxRANKIN COUNTY — A Rankin County Sheriff’s Office K-9 deputy has been medically retired after collapsing during a search Thursday afternoon for an escaped juvenile offender in Pelahatchie.
According to the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Ronnie Decell and his K-9 partner, Fox, responded May 21 to assist in locating a juvenile who had escaped from the Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center.
Officials said Deputy Decell deployed Fox to track the suspect, but about 100 yards into the search, the dog suddenly collapsed.
Deputy Decell carried Fox back to his patrol vehicle and rushed him to the after-hours emergency veterinary clinic URGIVET in Madison for treatment.
Veterinarians later determined Fox was suffering from an undiagnosed tumor that ruptured during the track, causing severe internal bleeding near his heart, according to the sheriff’s office.
Fox remains under treatment and observation for what officials described as a life-threatening condition. Because of the diagnosis, the sheriff’s office said Fox will be medically retired from service.
Fox, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, is trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking and handler protection. The sheriff’s office said he has served Rankin County throughout his career alongside Deputy Decell.
Sheriff Bryan Bailey asked the community to keep Deputy Decell, his family and Fox in their thoughts and prayers.
