But he found the dog unresponsive around 12:30 p.m. The air conditioner had failed and the car’s K-9 heat alarm did not activate.
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The K-9 Wix, a specialist in explosive detection, and his partner Deputy Austin Lemberger were on special assignment assisting with site security at the championships, said Brown County sheriff’s Lt. Scott A. Semb.
Brown County Sheriff’s Department announced the death of their K-9 unit Wix at the PGA Championship in Kohler, Wisc.on Wednesday.
Sandberg could not say how long Wix had been left unchecked in the vehicle. The vehicle was running and the air conditioning was on when last checked by an officer in the morning.
An official cause of death has not been determined, however heat is likely a factor. He discovered the air conditioning had stopped working; in addition, a special alarm meant to alert handlers that the auto was too hot for a dog did not sound, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office along with the local animal hospital is investigating the incident.
Police dogs are routinely left inside squad cars if they’re on duty but not working. He says they would not open the back door to release the K9 unless absolutely necessary because the dog is trained to only respond to the handler and not just any officer.
Lemberger joined the department in 2007.
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Brown County insures the dogs, Sandberg said.
