Died 7/26/24
Handler – Deputy Hayden Green
K-9 passes away ‘unexpectedly’ after over 6 years of service
The Haywood County Sheriff’s Office announced that one of the department’s K-9s recently passed away “unexpectedly” following over six years of service. Deputies said the K-9, Axe, started working with his handler in 2018.According to deputies, during Axe’s time with his handler, they helped seize 94 ounces of methamphetamine, 6.31 ounces of fentanyl/heroin, 10 grams of cocaine, over 88 ounces of marijuana, 159 firearms, and nearly $94,000 in cash. The Sheriff’s Office shared a video and the following message on social media on Monday. We are deeply saddened to announce that over this past weekend we unexpectedly lost K9 Axe. Axe has been a devoted partner to his handler, Deputy Hayden Green, for 6 1/2 years. When you choose to take on being a K9 handler, it takes another level of dedication to your profession. A handler is always working with and training their partner whether they are at work or off. Handlers spend more time with their K9 than they do with any human. During this time they forge an indestructible bond where at times, they put their lives in the other’s hands, and trust they will have each other’s back. From the moment Deputy Green laid eyes on Axe in February 2018, there was no mistaking the two of them were destined to be partners. In their time together Axe has led Deputy Green to the seizure of 94 ounces of methamphetamine, 6.31 ounces of fentanyl/heroin, 10 grams of cocaine, over 88 ounces of marijuana, 159 firearms, and nearly $94,000 in cash. To Deputy Green, thank you for being a dedicated handler and partner to Axe. The two of you shared an undeniable bond and we know you will miss him. To Axe, thank you for being the partner Hayden needed. Thank you both for your hard work and dedication to Haywood County and for the countless lives you saved working together for the past six years.