BRANCHVILLE— The Branchville Correctional Facility’s K-9 team is grieving a profound loss following the unexpected passing of K-9 Spartacus on Friday, a beloved and dedicated member of the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) unit.
Spartacus, who joined the facility in 2021, was a key figure known for his expertise in handler protection—a vital role that ensures the safety of his partner and the institution’s staff.
Spartacus was more than just a working dog; he was famous within the facility for the unique circumstances of his partnership. According to staff, the bond began when Spartacus effectively chose his handler, Officer T. Gogel —a reversal of the typical selection process —that cemented a deep and personal relationship between the two.
Facility personnel shared that Spartacus will be fondly remembered for his distinctive personality, including a peculiar love of wheels and his persistent, unexpected requests for belly rubs.
Staff expressed their sorrow with a moving public statement: “Rest Easy Warrior, we have it from here.”
While the official nature of Spartacus’s passing was not detailed, his service, like that of all IDOC K-9s, involved rigorous training and a readiness to respond to emergencies, track missing persons, and help maintain security within the facility and in the surrounding communities. Branchville’s K-9 team is known for assisting local law enforcement, and its dedication to public safety is a crucial component of the region’s emergency response capabilities.
Spartacus’s dedication and service will not be forgotten by his handler, the K-9 team, or the staff at Branchville Correctional Facility. The K-9 team continues its crucial work, upholding the memory and service of their fallen comrade.
