January 1, Hero K-9 Shot Protecting Deputies Makes Jaw-Dropping Recovery

Wyatt’s Take

• K-9 Ace took multiple bullets shielding three deputies from a violent criminal who opened fire during an arrest attempt
• Lost his front leg but was back on his feet within days, walking out of the vet clinic to thunderous applause from fellow officers
• This German shepherd showed more courage in one moment than most people display in a lifetime — true American hero wearing a badge

Less than a week after being shot and losing a leg while protecting three deputies, heroic Florida K-9 Ace was back on his feet Tuesday for an emotional return to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. The 7-year-old German shepherd has served since March 2020, and his latest act of bravery may have been his greatest.

Ace was wounded as deputies attempted to arrest 27-year-old Angel Bowers, who had failed to appear in court. Authorities said Bowers allegedly fired at least four rounds at three deputies who were trying to take him into custody.

Bowers was killed by deputies at the scene. But not before Ace stepped between danger and the men and women in uniform.

Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said Ace protected the three deputies from Bowers but was shot in his left front leg, shattering the bone and tearing an artery that caused massive blood loss. Without immediate action, the loyal K-9 would have bled out within minutes.

Ace’s partner and handler, Deputy Natalie Oestreich, treated his wounds and carried him to safety. Her quick thinking and training saved his life.

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. The reception was nothing short of inspiring.

“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.” The symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone present.

Two days later, Ace made his first trip back to the sheriff’s office since being shot in the line of duty. The welcome he received brought tears to hardened law enforcement veterans.

“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.”

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 after his years of faithful service.

“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!”

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.

Wyatt Matters

While politicians argue about defunding police and coddling criminals, working Americans know the truth — our law enforcement officers and their K-9 partners put everything on the line every single day. Ace didn’t think twice about stepping between bullets and his human partners. That’s loyalty. That’s duty. That’s the kind of courage that built this country and still protects it today, whether anyone in Washington wants to acknowledge it or not.