A huge shout-out to the doctors, veterinary technicians, nurses, and staff at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic in Lakeland for jumping into action to stabilize PCSO K-9 Ace after he was shot in the line of duty.
Because of their rapid response and expertise, Ace received emergency treatment before being transferred by Tampa General Hospital Aeromed’s K-9 Program.
K-9 Ace will be at the Animal Hospital at Lakewood Ranch for Emergency Trauma care.
These veterinary professionals don’t wear badges, but tonight they stood shoulder to shoulder with law enforcement in the fight to save a fellow officer.
Please join us in thanking the incredible team at Parkway Veterinary Emergency Clinic for the compassion, professionalism, and lifesaving care they provide—not just to our beloved pets every day, but also to the K-9s who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our community.
Our continued thoughts and prayers remain with K-9 Ace, Deputy Oestreich, and the veterinary teams caring for him, and the entire Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
Heroes come in many forms, and tonight, some of them wear scrubs.