FORT MYERS, Fla. — The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its own.
K9 Dundee died early this morning while helping deputies make an apprehension in the 1st Precinct, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident started at a home on Tamiami Trail in the Island Vista Estates neighborhood on Sunday night.
Video from the scene shows nearly a dozen LCSO vehicles at the property, with detectives searching the area using flashlights.
The K9 was airlifted to BluePearl Pet Hospital following the injury. A large number of LCSO officers gathered outside the hospital into the early morning hours, waiting for updates.
Dundee joined the agency in February 2024 and served in both patrol and narcotics detection. During his career, he completed 174 deployments and was directly responsible for 28 apprehensions.
The sheriff’s office said Dundee was more than a K9; he was a member of the LCSO family.
The agency said its heart is with Deputy Chala, Dundee’s handler and partner, along with his family and every K9 handler who worked and trained beside Dundee.
Multiple agencies expressed their condolences to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, K9 Dundee’s handler and the LCSO K9 Unit following the loss.
“Our hearts go out to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy Chala and his family, and the entire LCSO K9 Unit during this incredibly difficult time,” Fort Myers Police said in a post.
The Punta Gorda Police Department emphasized the bond between K9s and their handlers in their tribute.
“These incredible K9s are more than partners,” the department said. “They are family, riding alongside their handlers, protecting our communities, and answering the call without hesitation.”
The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the role K9s play in public safety.
“K9s like Dundee are critical to assisting with public safety and make the same sacrifices in the line of duty,” the agency said in a post.
The Naples Police Department honored K9 Dundee’s service and sacrifice.
“K9 Dundee served with courage and dedication, making the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty,” the department said.
Authorities have not yet released details on who deputies were trying to arrest or what crimes that person is accused of committing.
The Lee County Sheriff’s Office will hold a procession for K9 Dundee around 11 a.m on Monday.
The procession will start at the forensics building at 10070 Intercom Drive in Fort Myers. It will travel up Treeline to Daniels Parkway before ending at Blue Pearl.