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Texas officer fired after death of K-9 from heat-related illness

The former Fairfield officer faces a third-degree felony animal cruelty charge in the death of K-9 Farock

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Fairfield Police Department

FAIRFIELD, Texas — A Fairfield Police officer has been fired and charged after the death of a K-9.

K-9 Farock, a German Shepherd with the Fairfield Police Department, died on June 12 from a heat-related illness, according to a June 26 statement from the agency.

Following an internal investigation, the officer was terminated on June 18, the agency said. No further details about K-9 Farock’s death have been released.

The Ennis Police Department, which is investigating the incident, confirmed to Police1 that the former officer had been issued a warrant for cruelty to non-livestock animals in connection with the case. The officer, a two-year member of the Fairfield Police Department, surrendered and was booked into jail on the third-degree felony charge.

He has since secured bond and been released.

K-9 Farock joined the Fairfield PD in August 2025 as one of the department’s first K-9 officers, FOX 44 reported.

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com