Florida K-9 Ace is drawing widespread admiration after surviving a life-threatening line-of-duty injury in which he was shot while protecting three deputies and lost a leg.
According to Fox News, Ace returned to the Polk County Sheriff's Office after he was wounded while protecting three deputies, despite now getting around on three legs.
The shooting happened as deputies tried to arrest 27-year-old Angel Bowers after he failed to appear in court related to sexual assault charges.
Ace, a 7-year-old German shepherd, has served with the sheriff's office since March 2020.
Here's what to know
Investigators said Bowers allegedly opened fire during the confrontation, shooting at the three deputies at least four times.
Deputies killed Bowers at the scene. Sheriff Grady Judd said Ace moved in to shield the officers and was hit in his left front leg, where the bullet broke the bone and severed an artery, causing major blood loss.
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The sheriff's office said Ace's partner and handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, treated his wounds before carrying him to safety.
He was first taken to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland to be stabilized, then transported by a Tampa General Hospital Aeromed helicopter to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch.
After several hours of surgery, veterinarians amputated Ace's left front leg. The sheriff's office said he showed signs of recovery immediately.
"Upon waking from the anesthesia, Ace attempted to walk out of there," the office wrote. "He has not been deterred since."
More background
The sheriff's office also shared video from the veterinary center showing Ace getting ready to head home.
In the footage, deputies welcomed him there, and Ace made his way out on his own as people applauded while he wore a shirt reading "ride or die."
Officials credited Ace with helping save the lives of the three deputies.
Judd told reporters, "Look at Ace. He's happy; he's eating; he bit my finger," adding that the dog's personality appears as intact as ever.
What can be done?
Ace will not return to active duty, and Judd said Oestreich plans to spend time with him during his recovery before returning to work.
Ace's next chapter is retirement.
The sheriff's office has continued honoring him publicly, writing, "His days of chasing bad guys may be over, but Ace will always be one of our heroes!"
Polk Sheriff's Charities Inc. set up a K-9 fund for Ace's care, and officials said people who want to help can donate through the organization's website.
Judd said, "We are so proud of Natalie and Ace. They stood in the gap between good and evil and they saved three deputies' lives. That's why we're so proud of him. He did so good."
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