Florida K-9 Dies Tracking Suspect in Heat: Archer 'Fulfilled His Duty'

A Florida community is mourning the loss of beloved K-9 Officer Archer who died after suffering a heat stroke on the job.

The 6-year-old German Shephard died on July 4 after being "instrumental" in tracking down a driver who led police on a foot chase by running from a traffic stop into a wooded area, Sheriff David Harper of the Madison County Sheriff's Office said in one of his many Facebook updates on the situation.

"K-9 Archer gave his all to ensure that there was no criminal roaming free in our community," Harper said in a video.

Temperatures reached mid-90s in north central Florida that day and Archer suffered a "heat episode" during the chase. He was rushed to a local veterinary clinic and then transferred to an animal hospital where he died.

"It is with a heavy broken heart that I inform our community that K9 Archer has passed away at UF Small Animal Hospital In Gainesville," Harper announced in a lengthy Facebook post.

"K9 Archer was surrounded by his handler, fellow members of our canine unit and medical staff. K9 Archer honorably fulfilled his duty by protecting our citizens, our communities, and our deputies without fear or hesitation," he continued. "We are very grateful for all thoughts, prayers and support received during this most difficult time. We are equally thankful for all of the veterinary medical professionals who went above and beyond in providing care and treatment."

Harper concluded, "K9 Archer will remain in our hearts forever and never to be forgotten. Rest easy our protector, we will continue to hold the line in your honor."

The suspect was arrested and charged with causing great harm/death to police animal/animal cruelty, along with reckless driving, fleeing to elude, no valid driver's license, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of synthetic cannabinoids.

Archer's death garnered sympathy, but also criticism from Facebook users, the latter of which Harper addressed in an angry post, telling citizens that the suspect was heading towards nearby houses.

"The CRIMINAL that caused this entire incident was moving toward one of our citizens residence (sic) and was only a couple hundred yards from the home. There were two more residences within 1/8 of a mile. What would have happened had the CRIMINAL made it to one of those residences???" Harper asked.

"We will never know because multiple dedicated deputies led by one amazing and committed canine named Archer located and arrested the CRIMINAL before he was able to reach the manicured grass in the yard," he said.

Meanwhile, the community of Savannah, Missouri, is outraged after its police department revealed its "disturbing" plans to bury beloved K-9 Officer Horus, who died in June after being left in a sweltering hot car.

Many citizens accuse the department of keeping details of Horus' death and burial hidden from the community.

Police said Horus was left in a hot car following an overnight shift on June 20. Horus' handler, Lieutenant Daniel Zeigler, remains on paid leave as the Missouri State Highway Patrol investigates the German Shepherd's death, Savannah City Administrator Bruce Lundy confirmed to Newsweek on Friday.

Following a City Council meeting on July 1 where many residents were reportedly enraged over the department's presumed secrecy surrounding his death, Police Chief David Vincent made a statement confirming Horus had been buried.

"The K-9 was buried on city property. City-owned cemetery by a creek. We gathered when we buried the dog, a couple of Officers, the family of the handler and another city employee. We haven't had an official ceremony, but there is discussion of that occurring," Vincent said.

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