K-9 Rex passed away

 Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Re: K-9 Rex

With sad news the Polk County Sheriff’s Office is advising that K-9 Rex has passed away today (2/8/2026).  K-9 Rex recently became very ill and was diagnosed with Lyme disease and was in kidney failure.  To relieve K-9 Rex from suffering the decision was made to put Rex down.

K-9 Rex was a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepard mix and has been a member of the Polk County Sheriff’s since 2021.  K-9 Rex worked and lived with his handler Sgt. Ben Stout.  K-9 Rex was a valuable asset with the Sheriff’s Office and for the residents of Polk County.  He was trained in narcotic detection, apprehension, and tracking.  Thank you K-9 Rex for your service.  You will be missed.

Sheriff James Tadman