K9 Sam - Lexington County Sheriff's Department - South Carolina

After only serving six months with the Lexington County Sheriff's Department (South Carolina), 2-year old Belgian malinois K9 Sam passed away while on duty on July 8, 2025.  

K9 Sam suffered an apparent heat-related illness following a medical emergency during a training session.  As soon as K9 Sam's handler noticed he was in distress after a training track, K9 was rushed to the hospital.  Unfortunately, K9 Sam was not able to recover.

The Lexington County Sheriff's Department is re-evaluating their K9 training program in hopes that this type of tragedy does not occur again.  Our thoughts and prayers for K9 Sam's partner/handler and the Lexington County Sheriff's Department.