Heroic K-9 Ace Makes Emotional Return After Shooting
Just a few days after being shot and losing a leg while protecting three deputies, Ace, a remarkable Florida K-9, made a heartfelt return to the sheriff’s office.
Ace, a 7-year-old German shepherd, has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since March 2020. He was injured during an attempt to arrest 27-year-old Angel Bowers, who reportedly fired at least four shots at the deputies when they tried to take him in for missing a court appearance.
Bowers was subsequently killed by officers at the scene.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd shared that Ace bravely shielded the three deputies from Bowers, suffering a gunshot wound to his front left leg. This injury fractured a bone and ruptured an artery, leading to significant blood loss.
Deputy Natalie Oestreich, Ace’s partner and trainer, treated his injuries and ensured he was transported to safety, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ace was quickly rushed to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, where he was stabilized before being flown via helicopter to Lakewood Ranch Veterinary Medical Center. There, veterinarians performed several hours of surgery, ultimately amputating his left front leg.
On Sunday, the sheriff’s office shared a video of deputies welcoming Ace back to the animal medical center. He appeared healthy and ready to return home.
“Upon waking from anesthesia, Ace tried to walk out of the room,” the sheriff’s office noted. “Since then, he hasn’t looked back. In fact, this afternoon, he even dashed past the camera during his release!”
The video captured Ace interacting with staff before making his way out of the medical center on his own, greeted by hearty applause while wearing a shirt that read “Ride or Die.”
Two days later, Ace returned to the sheriff’s office for the first time since his injury in the line of duty.
“Look at Ace. He’s happy. He’s eating. He even bit my finger,” Judd remarked. “We’re incredibly proud of Natalie and Ace. They stood between good and evil, saving the lives of three deputies. That’s something to be proud of. He did an amazing thing.”
Judd mentioned he intends to spend time with Ace as he continues to recover, as Oestreich prepares to return to work. However, Ace will be retiring from active duty.
“Relax and enjoy your retirement, Ace,” Judd told him.
The sheriff’s office also celebrated Ace in a social media post, declaring, “His days chasing bad guys may be over, but Ace will always be one of our heroes!”
In support of Ace’s ongoing care, Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. has set up a K-9 fund. The sheriff’s office encouraged anyone interested in contributing to do so through the organization’s website.
