Rankin County Sheriff Bryan Bailey issued the following statement.
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Fox
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On Thursday afternoon, May 21, 2026, Rankin County Deputy Decell and his K-9 partner, “Fox,” responded to Pelahatchie to assist in the search for a juvenile offender who had escaped from the Rankin County Juvenile Detention Center.
Upon arriving on scene, Deputy Decell deployed Fox in an attempt to locate and track the suspect. Approximately 100 yards into the track, K-9 Deputy Fox suddenly collapsed. Deputy Decell immediately carried Fox back to his patrol vehicle and transported him to the after-hours veterinary emergency clinic, URGIVET, in Madison for emergency treatment.
Veterinarians determined that Fox was suffering from an undiagnosed tumor that ruptured during the track, causing severe internal bleeding near his heart.
Fox remains under treatment and observation at URGIVET for this life-threatening condition. Unfortunately, due to his medical condition, Fox will be medically retired from service.
Deputy Fox is a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois trained and certified in narcotics detection, tracking, and handler protection. Throughout his career, Fox has faithfully served the citizens of Rankin County alongside Deputy Decell.
K-9 handlers and their families develop extremely close bonds with their canine partners. Deputy Decell, along with his wife and children, are deeply saddened by Fox’s condition and are spending as much time with him as possible.
Sheriff Bryan Bailey asks the community to keep Deputy Decell, his family, and K-9 Deputy Fox in their thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
3 comments:
What a good boy he has been. Prayers for him and his family of humans.
Praying this good boy makes a quick recovery and enjoys every minute of his retirement.
Working dogs can have the most intense drive to do their job. He's had a remarkable career to be still working with his Deputy at the age of 10.
Hoping Fox can recover and enjoy his retirement.
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