FAYETTEVILLE, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department lost a beloved asset to the force Sunday as K-9 Unit member Waeylin has reportedly passed away following emergency surgery.
Sheriff Mike Fridley of the Fayette County Sheriff Department regretfully reports the unfortunate development, which by all accounts was unexpected by members of the department.
“It is with deep regret that the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office announces the death of one of our K-9s,” reads a statement from the department.
Waelylin, a two-year old Bloodhound, had been a member of the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office K-9 since before he was even a year old, and passed as a result of a stomach disorder for which he was rushed to the vet for treatment. Despite having undergone and survived emergency surgery, the beloved canine passed away shortly thereafter.
Unlike most canines in the K-9 unit who are trained to operate in multiple areas, Waeylin was trained specially and exclusively in tracking. As a bloodhound, Waeylin had a genetic edge over the competition in terms of tracking, as the breed are unsurpassed in their capacity to isolate specific scents and to follow them wherever they may lead.
“Whenever the Sheriff’s Office responded to a crime scene where the suspect was unknown and had fled from the area, Waeylin was often called on to respond,” said Fayette County Sheriff Mike Fridley. “He tracked down suspects in arson cases, burglary and many more cases.
Waeylin was also frequently called upon to track missing persons throughout not only Fayette County but in surrounding counties.”
Sheriff Fridley continues, reflecting on Waeylin’s popularity with the general public, and with children in particular, stating,
“Waeylin was also a great Public Relations Deputy for the Sheriff’s Office. With his big nose, huge floppy ears, drooping jowls and sad eyes, all typical Bloodhound characteristics, and his gentle and friendly disposition, Waeylin was an instant hit any time that the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit performed a demonstration. Young children especially loved Waeylin, as he would sit or lie quietly as they petted and hugged him.”
Corporal Ryan Fox, Waeylin’s partner and handler, remarked on the sudden and emotional loss of his partner and friend,
“Waelyin was like part of my family. When we weren’t out working, Waeylin would be playing or just hanging out with me,” said Coproal Fox. “We were buddies and it was nice to have someone to talk to. He never talked back of course, but I swear he understood everything I said to him.”
Sheriff Fridley concludes the statement, reiterating how much members of the department will miss their fallen comrade.
“Waeylin’s death is a tragic loss to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office and to the citizens of Fayette County, but especially to Waeylin’s handler and partner, Corporal Ryan Fox,” Sheriff Fridley said. “We are sincerely appreciative of the support shown to our K-9 Unit by the citizens of Fayette County over the past several years. We will all greatly miss Waeylin.”