The investigation into the death of the Mrcer County canine last Wednesday is complete. At a media briefing Monday morning, Chad Fortkamp, the dog's handler, spoke out about his actions.
Last Wednesday, Deputy Chad Fortkamp walked into the Mercer County Sheriff's office, leaving his canine Zak in the car. Returning to his cruiser approximately two hours later, Zak was unresponsive. After performing CPR, Fortkamp took Zak to the Coldwater Animal Clinic where he was pronounced dead.
In his first public appearance since the incident, Deputy Fortkamp expressed his regrets. Mercer County Sheriff Jeff Grey reported disciplinary action has been taken, citing Fortkamp is on a 45 day unpaid suspension, after he violated two Mercer County Sheriff's Standards of Conduct.
While upset that one of his deputy's would violate conduct, Sheriff Grey believes the incident could happened to anyone, reminding people that everyone makes mistakes.
Sheriff Grey has received several calls from upset animal lovers, but added the 45 days of unpaid suspension totals more than $6,500, a steep penalty for anyone.
The sheriff's office has turned over evidence to prosecutors office, leaving the decision to file for charges up to them.
