FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – A furry law enforcement officer goes down in the line of duty.. but the prognosis is good for Mikey.
The Fresno County Sheriff’s K-9 deputy was shot July 17th during a S.W.A.T operation. The dog was shot in the paw accidentally, when he was being attacked by pit bulls.
“Amongst the K-9 team, he’s real liked, within the K-9 team, he ranks up pretty high. It was definitely a hit and a blow for all of us.” – Deputy Sheriff Jerry Kitchens, Mikey’s handler.
Fresno County Deputy Sheriff Jerry Kitchens calls K9 Mikey a highly trained “law enforcement tool.” The 6-year-old Dutch Shepherd has been on the job for 3 years, but he’s more than a partner, he’s Jerry’s best friend and one of the family.
“My 9 year-old daughter Kaitlin – she was pretty devastated and heartbroken over it.” – Deputy Sheriff Jerry Kitchens.
Now, Mikey lays on a pillow in front of the fireplace at the Kitchens’ home with a bandage wrapped around his paw where the bullet struck.
Toes had to be amputated, but Kitchens says they received good news when they went to the vet Wednesday morning, where a specialist, who just happened to be there, told them it wasn’t as serious as previously thought, and they wouldn’t have to amputate the foot.
Jerry says his furry partner may be back with him in the coming months – it will take about 4-6 months to heal the foot.
Good news for Jerry, the Sheriff’s Office and Kaitlin; “She’s still pretty upset that “her Mike” is injured, and is going to be home for a little while, but she’s also relieved that he’s will be ok and will be making a recovery.” – Deputy Sheriff Jerry Kitchens.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern
