In a heartening yet somber moment, Florida’s brave K-9 Ace made a triumphant return to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, marking just days since a gunshot led to the amputation of his front leg. The dedicated German Shepherd, despite his injuries, was warmly welcomed back by the department on Tuesday.
At seven years old, Ace has been with the Polk County team since March 2020, forging a reputation for unwavering loyalty and bravery. His recent brush with danger occurred during an operation to apprehend 27-year-old Angel Bowers, which turned volatile.
According to authorities, Bowers had evaded a court appearance and, in resisting arrest, allegedly discharged multiple shots at the deputies. The situation concluded with deputies ending Bowers’ life during the confrontation.
The return of K-9 Ace, now adapting to life with three legs post-surgery, highlighted the unwavering bravery that defines the canines of Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Ace’s courage in the line of duty not only protected lives but also inspired those he serves alongside.
Speaking on the incident, Sheriff Grady Judd praised Ace’s actions during the critical moment. The shots from Bowers not only shattered Ace’s leg bone but also tore through an artery, resulting in significant blood loss. Ace’s sacrifices underscore the dangerous reality officers, both human and canine, face every day.
Ace’s partner and handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, treated his wounds and carried him to safety, according to the sheriff’s office.
Ace was rushed to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland, where he was stabilized before a Tampa General Hospital Aeromed helicopter transported him to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch. Veterinarians there performed a several-hour surgery to amputate his left front leg.
On Sunday, the sheriff’s office posted video showing deputies arriving at the veterinary medical center to greet an energetic Ace as he prepared to return home.
“Upon waking from the anesthesia, Ace attempted to walk out of there,” the sheriff’s office wrote. “He has not been deterred since. In fact he outran the camera attempting to film his release this afternoon!”
Video shows Ace interacting with deputies before walking out of the medical center under his own power to thunderous applause while wearing a shirt that read “ride or die.”
Two days later, Ace made his first trip back to the sheriff’s office since being shot in the line of duty.
“Look at Ace. He’s happy; he’s eating; he bit my finger,” 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.”
K-9 Ace was back on his feet days after suffering a gunshot wound that resulted in the amputation of his left front leg. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
Judd said Oestreich will spend time with Ace as he continues to recover before she returns to work. Ace, however, will retire from law enforcement.
“Chill out and enjoy your retirement Ace,” Judd said.
The sheriff’s office also honored Ace in a social media post, writing, “His days of chasing bad guys may be over, but Ace will always be one of our heroes!”
K-9 Ace will retire after being critically wounded while protecting three Polk County deputies during an attempted arrest. (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. has established a K-9 fund to help support Ace’s care. The sheriff’s office said those interested in helping can donate directly to the fund through the organization’s website.