THREE POLICE K-9s SHOT IN THE LINE OF DUTY TO BE HONORED AT SPACE COAST POLICE K-9 COMPETITION

 “Courage Under Fire” ceremony will reunite K-9 heroes and their handlers for special opening ceremony November 13

VIERA, FL — They were shot while doing what they were trained to do: run toward danger, protect their partners and help bring dangerous suspects into custody.

 On Friday, November 13, three police K-9s who survived being shot in the line of duty will stand alongside their handlers at Space Coast Stadium as the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation honors them with its Courage Under Fire Award during a special opening ceremony at the 8th Annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition.

The Foundation will honor:

K-9 Appie and Officer Victor Guzman — Fort Lauderdale Police Department, FL

Appie was shot in the line of duty while working alongside his handler, Officer Victor Guzman.

K-9 Havoc and Cpl. Brent Wilson — Columbus Police Department, GA

Havoc was shot while apprehending a fleeing murder suspect. He survived his injuries and continues his recovery alongside his handler, Cpl. Brent Wilson.

K-9 Ace and Deputy Natalie Oestreich — Polk County Sheriff’s Office, FL

Ace was shot in the line of duty and suffered injuries that ultimately resulted in the loss of one of his legs. Now retired, the three-legged K-9 remains a powerful symbol of courage, sacrifice and service.

 For the first time, the three K-9 teams will be brought together on the field at Space Coast Stadium, where thousands are expected to witness a tribute to their courage and the extraordinary bond between a police K-9 and handler.

 “These dogs don’t understand medals or awards. They understand their job, their training and the partner standing beside them,” the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation said. “Appie, Havoc and Ace went into danger when their communities needed them most. This is our opportunity to bring them together, tell their stories and give our community the chance to stand and honor them.”

The Courage Under Fire presentation will be a featured part of the competition’s opening ceremony beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Following the ceremony, law enforcement and military K-9 teams will take the field to compete in challenges showcasing the speed, agility, obedience and working abilities of these highly trained teams.

The annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition has become a celebration of the police and military working dogs that serve communities throughout Florida and beyond. The event also helps raise awareness and support for the training, equipment and safety resources needed by working K-9 teams.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITY

The Courage Under Fire ceremony will provide compelling opportunities for television, print and digital coverage, including the three honored K-9 teams together on the field, the presentation of the Courage Under Fire Awards and interviews with handlers and representatives of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation. 

Members of the media interested in advance interviews or coordinating coverage of the ceremony are encouraged to contact the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation 321-745-8669 or via email at spacecoastpolicek9foundation@gmail.com