Florence Police K-9 Left in Car Dies

FLORENCE, Ariz. - The heat is a danger for pets as well as people. A K-9 with the Florence Police Department died last week after his handler left him in the car.

Vysta was a beautiful black shepherd, who spent one-and-a-half years on the force sniffing out illegal drugs and winning the hearts of everyone in the department.

"You know we are a small department here. It really takes a toll on you, when something like this happens. We are a small department, a small family, and Vysta is part of our family," says Florence Police Chief Bob Ingulli.

One week ago, Vysta's handler left the dog in the canine unit in the parking lot and went inside to do some paperwork. Some time later, Vysta died. Beyond that, the department is saying little.

Florence Police has handed off the investigation to DPS to avoid any possible conflict of interest.

Outside the department, the flags are at half-staff, honoring the fallen officer.

They're looking for a new police dog for their K-9 unit. Call Chief Bob Ingulli at 520 868-7681