Holly MatkinSarasota, FL – Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) K9 Bryx died on March 6 following a lengthy battle against a parasitic disease.
K9 Bryx was diagnosed with Leishmaniasis nearly nine years ago, WOFL reported.
The disease, which is transmitted by sand flies, is primarily found in southern Europe and areas of the tropics, according to the news outlet.
The SCSO announced the nine-year-old K9’s death in a Facebook post on Monday morning.
K9 Bryx served alongside his human partner, SCSO Deputy Chris Indico, since July of 2013.
“On Saturday, sheriff’s office K-9 Bryx was laid to rest after a nearly 9-year battle with Leishmaniasis,” the department said. “Bryx was not only a member of the sheriff’s office family but also a member of the Indico family.”
The German-born, dual-purpose K9 was trained in tracking, narcotics detection, criminal apprehension, and building and area searching.
He took home the first-place prize in the Florida Gulf Coast K9 Competition’s “Hardest Hitting Dog” category in 2019, according to his department.
“It is difficult enough to lose a pet but when your pet is your partner and protects you in one of the most dangerous professions out there, it is especially hard,” the post read. “Please keep the Indico family in your thoughts.”
Bryx was a member of the SCSO family and Indico family. Born in Germany in 2012, Bryx faithfully served alongside his handler, Dep. Chris Indico, since July 2013. He was trained in narcotics detection, tracking, building + area searching, and criminal apprehension. pic.twitter.com/TemRQd94FM
— SarasotaSheriff (@SarasotaSheriff) March 8, 2021
REST IN PEACE: The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office is mourning the loss of Bryx, who had worked as a dual purpose K9 trained in narcotics detection, tracking, and criminal apprehension. Thank you for your service, Bryx. STORY: https://t.co/qBzq3SCAcK pic.twitter.com/UZqyVzFgen
— FOX 13 Tampa Bay (@FOX13News) March 8, 2021
Did somebody say #NationalPuppyDay? Allow us to introduce Sarasota County’s best, most well-trained, fiercest K-9s! Clockwise from top: Ando, Ryker (with handler Deputy Biegel), Indy, Eros, Bryx, & Nox. How many RTs can we get for these handsome boys?! #LESM #TotallyDogPeople pic.twitter.com/CA8gzqsRtO
— SarasotaSheriff (@SarasotaSheriff) March 23, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office and Deputy Indico in the loss of K9 Bryx.
Sandy Malone
