Deputy suspended for
death of K-9
45 working day penalty equates to
$6,500 in pay
Updated: Monday, 06 Aug 2012, 1:51 PM EDT
Published : Monday, 06 Aug 2012, 10:38 AM EDT
Drew Blair
CELINA, Ind. (WANE) - The sheriffs deputy responsible for the
death of his K-9 partner has been suspended by the Mercer
County Sheriffs Department for 45 working days.
The German shepherd named Zak was found dead Wednesday in an unattended patrol car left without running airconditioning parked at the Mercer County Sheriffs office.
The Sheriffs Department announced the result of its investigation into the death and the dog's handler, Deputy Chad
Fortkamps actions in a press conference Monday.
According to Sheriff Jeff Grey, Fortkamp went into the office on Wednesday, August 1 to complete paperwork outside
of his regular shift. Fortkamp considered bringing Zak into the station but left the dog in the patrol car parked on the
west side of the building. The deputy admitted to forgetting that he had shut off the cruiser.
The dog was in the unattended car for approximately two hours before Fortkamp found him unresponsive.
An alarm system had been installed in the K-9 cruiser that would monitor temperature and react if conditions became
dangerous. When activated, the system rolled down windows, started fans in the vehicle, sounded an alarm and
alerted the handler through a pager.
Grey revealed that the alarm system was disabled by Fortkamp prior to Zaks death. Fortkamp explained during the
investigation that the alarm would sound on summer days when the deputy entered the car for his shift and provided a
distraction.
In determining disciplinary action against Fortkamp, Grey said he considered all circumstances surrounding Zaks
death but could not ignore Fortkamps positive history with the department, the respect he had gained in the
community and mostly the deputys honesty throughout the situation.
Fortkamp chose to read a statement to the media ahead of Mondays press conference which proved his integrity,
according to Grey.
I would give anything to be able to bring Zak back; to be back with me. I am sorry for what my actions have done to
not only the sheriff's office, to this community but most importantly, Zak, Deputy Fortkamp said. I'll always love and
miss him.
Fortkamps penalty equates to $6,500 in pay.
A memorial service has been scheduled for Zak to take place at the Celina Dog Park Monday at 7:00 p.m. Members
of the Sheriffs Department would not attend as to avoid distraction according to Gre

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