Polk County, Fla. – The Polk County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday presented K9 Ace, a veteran police dog of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, with a Commendation for Valor. The award recognizes Ace’s courageous actions during an Aug. 6 incident in which he was shot multiple times while assisting deputies and lost his left front leg.
Incident and Immediate Care
During the Aug. 6 operation, Ace was working alongside deputies in a wooded area when a suspect opened fire. Deputy Natalie Oestreich provided immediate field care and transported the injured dog to Park Way Veterinary Emergency Clinic. Veterinarians there stabilized Ace and controlled his bleeding.
Because of the severity of his injuries, Ace was air‑lifted by Tampa General Hospital’s AeroMed flight team to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch. The flight lasted about 26 minutes. Upon arrival, veterinarians diagnosed Ace with hemorrhagic shock and placed him in critical condition.
Life‑Saving Treatment
Three civilian canine blood donors—Molly, Rooster and Winnie—provided packed red blood cells and fresh frozen plasma, helping to restore Ace’s blood volume. On Aug. 7, Dr. Brianna Miniter performed surgery to amputate Ace’s left front leg, a decision made necessary by the extent of the trauma.
Remarkably, Ace began walking on three legs with the aid of a sling only hours after surgery. He remained in intensive care for monitoring before being discharged on Aug. 9 and returning home with his longtime handler, Deputy Oestreich.
Board of Commissioners’ Recognition
The Board’s statement highlighted Ace’s “brave actions” that protected the lives of deputies and the public. The commendation underscores the vital role that working canines play in law‑enforcement operations, often placing themselves in danger while searching woods, swamps, structures, businesses and other locations.
“They’re doing that in apprehension of murderers, rapists and pedophiles, and they do it fearlessly every day. We are grateful to them. Ace is a hero,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.
Recovery and Retirement
Following his surgery, Ace’s recovery has progressed well. The sheriff’s office noted that “God is gracious for that,” expressing gratitude for the dog’s continued health and the support of veterinary teams, blood donors and fellow deputies.
With his service concluded, Ace is transitioning into retirement alongside Deputy Oestreich. The community’s response reflects a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by law‑enforcement animals and the families that care for them.
Community Impact
The commendation ceremony not only honors Ace’s personal bravery but also serves as a reminder of the broader partnership between law‑enforcement agencies and the citizens they protect. It highlights the importance of supporting first‑responders, both human and canine, in their dangerous duties.
Polk County officials hope the recognition will inspire continued community support for the sheriff’s office and its working dogs, ensuring that future incidents receive the same level of care and gratitude.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
