MADISON COUNTY, Tenn. — The death of a Madison County Sheriff’s Office K-9 from heat stroke and severe dehydration has prompted an internal affairs investigation and a separate criminal investigation. It has also raised questions about the recent death of another law enforcement K-9 who had previously been assigned to an individual identified by sources as Bart’s handler.
K-9 Bart, a two-and-a-half-year-old German Shepherd assigned to the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, was found dead inside an outdoor kennel on September 19, 2026.
Madison County Sheriff Julian Wiser publicly stated that Bart’s handler had reportedly been away from the residence for approximately 36 hours and that Bart did not have access to water during that period. According to reporting by WBBJ and Gray News, temperatures reached a heat index of approximately 101 degrees.
A veterinary necropsy subsequently determined that Bart died from heat stroke caused by severe dehydration, according to Wiser.
Bart’s Death and the Investigation
Wiser said Bart was trained as a patrol K-9 in criminal apprehension, tracking, article searches and narcotics detection.
According to Wiser and published news reports:
- Bart was found dead in his outdoor kennel on September 19.
- The K-9’s handler had reportedly been away from the residence for approximately 36 hours.
- Bart reportedly did not have access to water during that period.
- A veterinary necropsy determined Bart died from heat stroke due to severe dehydration.
- The handler was placed on administrative leave following the incident.
- The handler subsequently resigned from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office.
- The sheriff’s office initiated an internal investigation and a parallel criminal investigation.
- Search warrants have been executed or obtained as part of the investigation, according to published reports.
- Wiser said information developed during the investigation would be provided to the district attorney general.
Subscribe on YouTube and join thousands of officers, attorneys, and citizens who follow Cop Talk LIVE for fact-based analysis—not headlines.
▶ Subscribe Here: https://www.youtube.com/@CopTalkLIVE
As of September 28, publicly available reporting states that no criminal charges have been announced.
The Madison County Sheriff’s Office has also not publicly identified the former handler by name, citing the absence of formally filed criminal charges.
Sources Identify Bart’s Handler
Sources who have provided information to Cop Talk LIVE have identified Bart’s handler as Deputy Megan “Chloe” Swann.
Cop Talk LIVE has not located a publicly released Madison County Sheriff’s Office document naming Swann as Bart’s handler. Because the sheriff’s office has not publicly identified the former handler, Cop Talk LIVE is distinguishing that source information from facts that have been officially released by Madison County authorities.
No criminal charge against Swann related to Bart’s death has been publicly announced as of publication.
An Earlier K-9 Connection
A review of public information from the Selmer Police Department shows that Swann had previously handled another law enforcement K-9 named Samantha, commonly referred to as “Sam.”
According to the Selmer Police Department, Sam was originally assigned to former Sgt. Josh Gilbert and was later assigned to then-Officer Chloe Swann.
A department announcement from 2020 documented Swann and Sam completing K-9 training and certification involving narcotics detection and tracking.
Selmer Police subsequently reported that Sam retired several years ago and remained with Swann following her retirement.
Sam Died 34 Days Before Bart
According to information reviewed by Cop Talk LIVE, retired K-9 Sam died on August 16, 2026.
Selmer Police publicly memorialized Sam following her death, describing her service to the department and confirming that she had retired with Swann.
The department’s public memorial did not identify a medical cause of death.
The absence of a publicly stated cause of death does not establish that Sam’s death was suspicious, nor does it establish any connection between Sam’s death and Bart’s death.
Thirty-four days after Sam’s death, Bart was found dead at his handler’s residence.
No Evidence Publicly Establishes a Connection Between the Deaths
There is currently no publicly available evidence establishing that Sam’s death and Bart’s death were related.
Discover the artistry of RedGlareUSA, a veteran-owned business crafting the most creative and unique items from spent bullet cases adorned with stunning Swarovski Crystals. Each piece is a testament to innovation, precision, and creative excellence—transforming ammunition into wearable art and collectible treasures all hand made in the USA! CLICK HERE to shop and support! https://redglareusa.com/
Cop Talk LIVE is not alleging that Swann caused Sam’s death, that Sam was neglected, or that Sam’s death involved circumstances similar to those authorities have described in Bart’s case.
Selmer Police’s public memorial states that Sam died at home and honors her service but does not provide a veterinary diagnosis, medical history or cause of death.
Bart’s death is different in one important respect: authorities have publicly announced a veterinary finding identifying heat stroke caused by severe dehydration as his cause of death.
Questions That Remain Unanswered
The circumstances now publicly available leave several factual questions that could potentially be answered through veterinary records, agency policies and investigative records.
- What medical or veterinary records document Sam’s health before her death?
- Was a veterinary cause of death established for Sam?
- What agreement governed Sam’s retirement and continued care after leaving Selmer Police service?
- What policies governed the housing, supervision and care of Bart while his handler was away from the residence?
- Did Madison County require another person to check on or care for Bart when his assigned handler was unavailable?
- Were supervisors aware that Bart’s handler would be away from the residence?
- Have investigators examining Bart’s death reviewed the handler’s prior K-9 assignments and history?
- What evidence was sought through the search warrants referenced by Sheriff Wiser?
Those questions should not be interpreted as allegations. They identify records and information that may clarify the circumstances surrounding the two dogs.
The Selmer Police Department’s official public information establishes that Sam served the department, was initially handled by Josh Gilbert, was later assigned to Chloe Swann and eventually retired with Swann.
The department’s memorial described Sam as an important part of the agency and recognized her years of service following her death.
The publicly available memorial does not state how Sam died medically.
Current Status
As of September 28, 2026, the investigation into Bart’s death remains ongoing.
Published reporting states that Bart’s former handler resigned after being placed on administrative leave. Madison County authorities are conducting an internal investigation as well as a criminal investigation, and search warrants have been issued or executed during that process.
No criminal charges have been publicly announced in connection with Bart’s death.
Madison County authorities have not publicly identified Bart’s former handler by name.
Cop Talk LIVE will continue seeking primary records and official information concerning Bart’s death, Bart’s care requirements and K-9 policies, as well as publicly obtainable information concerning Sam’s retirement and medical history.
CLICK HERE to get your copy of
Frequently Asked Questions
How did K-9 Bart die?
According to Madison County Sheriff Julian Wiser and published reporting, a veterinary necropsy determined that Bart died from heat stroke caused by severe dehydration.
How long had Bart reportedly been without water?
Authorities have said Bart’s handler had been away from the residence for approximately 36 hours and that Bart did not have access to water during that period.
Has Bart’s handler been criminally charged?
No criminal charge had been publicly announced as of September 28, 2026.
Has Madison County publicly identified Bart’s handler?
No. Published reports state that the sheriff’s office has declined to publicly identify the former handler because criminal charges have not been filed. Sources providing information to Cop Talk LIVE have identified the handler as Megan “Chloe” Swann, but that identification has not been confirmed through a publicly released Madison County record located by Cop Talk LIVE.
Who was K-9 Sam?
Sam was a law enforcement K-9 who served with the Selmer Police Department. Selmer Police states that Sam was first assigned to former Sgt. Josh Gilbert and later to then-Officer Chloe Swann. The department states that Sam eventually retired with Swann.
How did Sam die?
The Selmer Police Department’s publicly available memorial does not provide a medical cause of death. Cop Talk LIVE has not located publicly released veterinary records establishing one.
Are authorities saying Bart’s death and Sam’s death are connected?
No. No publicly available information reviewed by Cop Talk LIVE establishes a connection between the two deaths.
Sources
-
- Madison County Sheriff Julian Wiser statements reported by WBBJ and Gray News.
- WBBJ reporting concerning K-9 Bart’s death and investigation.
- Gray News and Action News 5 reporting concerning K-9 Bart.
- Selmer Police Department official public information concerning K-9 Sam and Chloe Swann.
- Information provided to Cop Talk LIVE concerning the identity of Bart’s handler.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing “all the right things” and still not seeing the scale budge, you’re not alone—and it’s maddening. Fat loss can feel like a constant battle against your own body: you cut calories, add workouts, skip desserts, and somehow… nothing changes. The good news is that the problem usually isn’t your effort. It’s that most approaches focus on quick fixes instead of the handful of principles that make results sustainable. CLICK HERE to learn more! https://www.nutritionconnectionbalance.com/sustainable-fat-loss-beyond-the-scale/
🚔 JOIN US FOR ROLL CALL
On the first Sunday of every month, Cop Talk LIVE Patreon members meet for an exclusive members-only Roll Call — real conversation, direct access, and discussion you won’t get anywhere else.
👉 CLICK Cop Talk LIVE Patreon today and be part of the next Roll Call.
About The Author
Discover more from Cop Talk LIVE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
