WARE COUNTY, Ga. (WALB) – The community is coming together to support Georgia Department of Corrections (GDOC) Officer Brandon Jewell after a tragic crash claimed the life of his K9 partner, Sissy.

The crash happened Monday, Sept. 29, around 4:49 p.m. at the intersection of GA Highway 122 and Windmill Road. According to the Georgia State Patrol (GSP), a Ford F-250 ran a stop sign and struck the rear of Officer Jewell’s state vehicle, causing it to overturn several times.

Inside the vehicle were Officer Jewell and his K9 partner. K9 Sissy died from her injuries. Officer Jewell sustained serious injuries and was transported to a Florida ICU, where he remains in recovery.

The Georgia Department of Corrections released a statement saying:

“We are heartbroken by this loss. K9 Sissy faithfully served in law enforcement, assisting with tracking operations and helping to keep our communities safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with our Officer as he recovers, and we wish him strength and a swift return to health.”

Fellow K9 Officer Herb Bennett shared the personal toll this tragedy brings:

“The bond between a handler and their K9 runs deeper than words—Sissy was not only a partner in service but a beloved family member. The pain of this loss, combined with the long road of recovery ahead, is one no family should walk alone.”

A GoFundMe has been established to support Officer Jewell’s medical recovery and his family’s needs. It is titled “Support Brandon Jewell’s Road to Recovery.”

Local law enforcement and community members say they are rallying to ensure the Jewell family does not face this hardship alone.

Bennett, who first met Jewell during training at the academy, said what makes this loss even harder is that Jewell never got the chance to say goodbye.

“Unlike some of the ones I lost because I’ve been doing this a long time. You get a chance to say goodbye, but he didn’t. So in this case, he hasn’t had a chance to say ‘Bye’ before he has to worry about his own health,” he said.

Victoria Jewell, Brandon’s wife, also shared that Sissy had been by his side since she was only seven weeks old. For five years, she served as both his partner in law enforcement and as a member of their family.

Bennett added that the role of a K9 handler is unique, with bonds that extend far beyond the job.

“We spend more time with our dog than we do with our loved ones. Therefore, when something happens, although it hurts everybody, it really hits home for us because it’s more than a pet,” he said.

He also noted that long recoveries can put financial strain on officers and their families.

“We don’t do it for the money, never have. We do it for the good of everything. But we also, to make ends meet, a lot of times, we have to work extra. And when things like that happen, that cuts you out of that stuff. So you hope he’s prepared enough to make it through his long recovery, he is going to have,” he said.

Officer Jewell remains in the ICU in Florida as he continues his recovery. His family shared that he underwent multiple surgeries and expressed gratitude to the community for its overwhelming support during this time.

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