Recovering K-9 Ace Honored for Bravery and Dedication

Less than a week after a heroic act left him injured, Florida K-9 Ace is back at the Polk County Sheriff’s Office. Ace, a 7-year-old German shepherd, has been with the office since March 2020. He was hurt protecting deputies during an attempted arrest of 27-year-old Angel Bowers.

Authorities report that Bowers fired multiple shots at three deputies after missing a court date. Deputies responded, resulting in Bowers’ death at the scene. Ace was shot in his left front leg while defending the deputies. The injury shattered the bone and severed an artery, causing heavy blood loss.

Deputy Natalie Oestreich, Ace’s handler, quickly treated his injuries and carried him to safety. Ace was taken to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland for stabilization, then flown to the Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch. There, a long surgery was performed to amputate his injured leg.

The sheriff’s office shared a video showing Ace’s return from the medical center. Awake from anesthesia, Ace showed determination by trying to walk out immediately. He even outran cameras capturing his release. Wearing a shirt with the words ‘ride or die,’ Ace left the center amidst applause.

Two days later, Ace visited the sheriff’s office again. Sheriff Grady Judd expressed pride in both Ace and Deputy Oestreich, highlighting their courage. ‘They stood in the gap between good and evil,’ Judd noted, praising their role in saving lives.

While Oestreich will continue her duties after spending time with Ace, Ace will retire. ‘Chill out and enjoy your retirement Ace,’ Judd concluded during the event.

Ace’s bravery continues to be honored by the sheriff’s office. A social media post recognized his heroism, asserting that ‘his days of chasing bad guys may be over, but Ace will always be one of our heroes.’

To support Ace’s care, Polk Sheriff’s Charities Inc. has set up a K-9 fund. Donations can be made directly through their website.