VIERA, Fla. — Three police K-9s that survived being shot in the line of duty will be honored this fall during the 8th Annual Space Coast Police K-9 Competition.
The Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation will present its Courage Under Fire Award to K-9 Appie, K-9 Havoc and K-9 Ace during a special opening ceremony Friday, Nov. 13, at Space Coast Stadium in Viera.
The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.
K-9s survived shootings in the line of duty
K-9 Appie serves with the Fort Lauderdale Police Department alongside Officer Victor Guzman and was shot while on duty.
K-9 Havoc, with the Columbus Police Department in Georgia, was shot while apprehending a fleeing murder suspect. The foundation said Havoc survived and continues to recover with handler Cpl. Brent Wilson.
K-9 Ace served with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and was shot in the line of duty. His injuries ultimately resulted in the loss of one of his legs. Ace is now retired and will appear with Deputy Natalie Oestreich.
The foundation said it will be the first time all three teams have been brought together for the ceremony.
K-9 competition follows ceremony
After the awards presentation, law enforcement and military K-9 teams from across the state are expected to compete in events demonstrating agility, obedience, speed and other working skills.
The annual competition also raises awareness and support for equipment, training and safety resources for police K-9 teams.
The Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation says it has helped purchase patrol dogs for local agencies and has funded training and equipment including heat-protection systems, bite suits and protective vests.
Learn more about the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation
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