JSO thanks K9 Huk, veterinarians and nonprofits that helped save his life
JSO police K-9 Huk was honored Friday along with the veterinarians who treated him and the nonprofit that helped pay for his care after he was shot three times during a police shootout this past July.
Cellphone video captured the harrowing scene as staff from First Coast Veterinary Emergency Clinic rushed JSO police K-9 Huk out of a helicopter and into emergency surgery after being shot three times in a July police shootout.
Nearly two months to the day later, Huk is back on his paws, cast and all.
In a ceremony Friday, JSO honored the veterinarians that jumped into action that fateful day.
Huk also got a medal thanking him for his sacrifice in the line of duty.
“Huk was courageous that day and he did what he was trained to do,” said JSO Undersheriff Nick Burgos.
Huk’s human partner Officer Cheth Plaugher said he was just thankful to see his comrade making progress.
Huk still faces a long road to recovery.
He’ll soon have another surgery on his leg and will be in a cast for two months after that.
Then, there’s physical therapy.
But thanks to groups like Irondog K9 International, Huk will have a lot of support along the way.
The group, which was also honored during Friday’s ceremony, has contributed $12,000 to help pay Huk’s medical bills.
“His injuries were substantial and those require ongoing care, but he’s in the process of recovery and we’re super glad to be a part of that,” said Mitzi Nash with Irondog K9 International.
This incident wasn’t the first time Huk found himself in the news.
He helped apprehend the suspect now charged with the murder of Nassau Sheriff’s Deputy Joshua Moyers in November of last year.
Huk’s partner says it’s not clear whether he’ll be able to return to the force.
Right now, they’re just taking his recovery one day at a time.
If you’d like to contribute to Irondog K9 International to help Huk and K9′s like him, you can donate on their website.
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