A Tampa non-profit organization, the Wiltse Family Foundation, has stepped in to cover all medical expenses for a Polk County Sheriff’s Office dog, K9 Ace, who had his leg amputated after being shot in the line of duty last week.
Background
The incident occurred when a suspect, Angel Bowers, who was facing a charge of unlawful sex with a minor, failed to make a court appearance. A warrant was issued for him, and a bondsman was trying to locate him. Polk County deputies, including K9 Ace and his handler, arrived to assist.
When deputies approached the suspect’s tent in the woods, the suspect opened fire, and K9 Ace was hit. The suspect was later pulled from the tent and confirmed dead.
Community Support
The Wiltse Family Foundation, founded by Steve and Mary Anne Wiltse in 2019, raises money annually through a golf tournament to fund resources for law enforcement and first responders. The foundation had previously sponsored two K9s for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Steve Wiltse explained the decision to step in for K9 Ace’s medical expenses, saying, ‘That’s what the foundation’s there for, so it kind of makes it a no-brainer.’ The foundation has also agreed to fund K9 Ace’s replacement for the department.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
