Died – 3/9/16
Handler – Deputy Sgt. BJ Johnson
Police canine drowns while tracking suspect
A police canine with the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office, was killed after being swept away in a raging river near Tellico Plains, Tennessee. The dog, a nine-year-old Dutch shepherd named “Vigor,” drowned in the Tellico River while in the pursuit of a wanted suspect identified as Doug Ellis. On March 10, the Sheriff’s Office released information about the tragedy which claimed Vigor’s life, “On March 9th the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department was attempting to apprehend Doug Ellis for outstanding warrants in the Cherokee National Forrest in Tellico Plains. Pursuing deputies had to cross a river, while crossing the river the current over powered Deputy Johnson and his K-9 partner Vigor.” Vigor’s handler, Sgt. BJ Johnson explained what transpired before Vigor drowned, “I slipped, and when I did, he took off. I took after him. The water was too strong as we were fighting it. As I was pulling him, I was making it worse for him. So I let him go and I figured he would make it to the other side. So I let him go.” The Sheriff’s Office stated, “Deputy Johnson attempted to save his partners life several times but the current was to strong. Deputy Vigor was located down stream and deputies immediately began CPR and unfortunately they were unable to revive Deputy Vigor.” Doug Ellis, who violated terms of his probation for kidnapping, aggravated assault and evading arrest, was arrested.