The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has thanked people for helping their K9, Ace, after he was shot by a suspect. The community came together to save Ace after he was wounded.
“There are so many people and organizations that the Polk County Sheriff’s Office would like to acknowledge and thank for their part in getting our K9 Ace the help he needed after he was shot by a suspect on Thursday, August 6, 2026,” Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd wrote on X. “Immediately after he was wounded, Ace was taken to Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland where his bleeding was stopped and he was stabilized by Dr. Oscar Aguayo and his team.”
He added, “Once stabilized, Ace was picked up by Tampa General Hospital’s Aeromed helicopter with pilot Chad Loftin (Metro Aviation), Chief Flight Nurse Tracy Sanderson (TGH), and Flight Paramedic Kenny Switzer (TGH). Aeromed transported Ace to Veterinary Medical Center at Lakewood Ranch in Bradenton to be cared for by Dr. Devon Diaz and his team.”
Ace, a seven-year-old German Shepherd, has been with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office since March 2020, the post said. He was shot in the front left leg, leaving his leg broken and an artery torn. He lost a lot of blood as a result of the shooting.
“The PCSO is truly grateful for the tremendous outpouring of support from our community. We appreciate the support for our deputies involved last night, and of course for Ace and his well-being,” read the post.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office addressed people who had reached out asking how they can help.
“Polk Sheriff’s Charities, Inc. has an established K9 Fund that will be used to support K9 Ace’s care. For those who have asked how they can help, donations may be made directly to the K9 Fund through the link below. Once on the donation page, simply select “K9” from the dropdown menu. polksheriff.org/donate,” wrote the sheriff.
The post added the Wiltse Family Trust has planned to cover the cost for Ace’s care at Veterinary Medical Center the Lakewood Ranch. The trust has also promised to purchase a new K9 to replace Ace, who will now have to retire.
“Again, we sincerely appreciate the continued support, kindness, and generosity shown to our K9 Unit during this difficult time,” added the post.
X users expressed their love for Ace in the comment section. “What a sweet pup. Thanks to those supporting this effort. Thank God he's alive,” one user wrote, while another commented, “What a beautiful dog and what a tragedy! But he’s going to live I’m sure a great life in retirement. God bless that sweet baby and all of you at the PCSO!” “Tears and prayers for this faithful K9 Ace!” wrote a user.
Sumanti Sen covers everything that’s happening in the US, from politics to entertainment, but her expertise lies in covering crime news. She has comprehensively chronicled the Idaho student murders, the Laken Riley and Iryna Zarutska cases, and the killing of Charlie Kirk, among other incidents. Over the years, she has interviewed several victims/families of victims of crimes seeking justice. She digs up stories that might otherwise remain unheard, and does her bit to ensure that victims and survivors’ voices are heard. Sumanti’s many years of experience also include interviews with Hamas attack survivors and mental health experts, among others. Her coverage of the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and interviews with survivors of the tragedy, coupled with her other works including the Titan submersible coverage, earned her the Digi Journo of the Quarter award during her first year at Hindustan Times. Sumanti actively tracks missing person cases in the United States, and peruses Reddit and other social media platforms to bring to light cases that frequently elude public attention. She has extensively covered the disappearances of Nancy Guthrie, Thomas Medlin, Beau Mann, and Sudiksha Konanki, among others. When not at work, you will either find her with her novels, or with her beloved rescue pooches.Read More