VERMILLION COUNTY, Ind.  – A retired Vermillion County police K-9 has passed away.

Byron was originally trained as a guide dog to help the visually impaired and then trained as a police dog.  He and his handler, Deputy Nick Hall, worked for five years after being trained in narcotics, handler protection, apprehension, and tracking.

Byron retired on January 1st due to hip issues and died early Thursday morning.