Police chief asks community for prayers after on-duty K9 is stabbed in the head by a criminal
K9 Police Officers put their life on the line every day when they show up for work with their handlers.
They are treated just like any other officer and when they get injured in the line of duty – the department, and community that they work for hopes and prays for their swift recovery. So, when K9 Deebo from the Saginaw Police Department was injured on a call, everyone rallied around him.
K9 Deebo is injured while on the job
Deebo and his handler had responded to a call that turned out to be a hostage situation early on a Sunday morning. Upon arriving, an altercation occurred involving Deebo and the 48-year-old suspect, during which Deebo was stabbed in the head. Officers then shot into the home, ultimately killing the suspect.
K9 Deebo has lifesaving surgery
Deebo was quickly rushed to the vet to receive treatment for his wounds. A German shepherd, Deebo has been with the department for over three years. He was added to the force after the retirement of a previous K9 named Kilo. During his time in the department, Deebo has been involved in the tracking of at least seven or eight suspects.
“He’s very active. He’s one of the dogs that’s constantly finding and tracking and apprehending,” said Jody Wilk, president of the Saginaw Valley Police Canine Association.
K9 Deebo’s status
In a press release, the Saginaw Police Department had the following to say about Deebo’s lifesaving surgery and upcoming recovery:
“Deebo is doing well given his circumstances and had a follow-up veterinary visit today. There is some swelling due to the trauma and the muscles that were torn from the knife that had to be surgically corrected.
As you can see from the attached photos, Deebo has multiple stitches external as well as internal along with a drain tube sewn in place to reduce pressure and reduce swelling. The drain tube was scheduled to be out today but was left in place by Deebo’s family Veterinarian due to the concerns with the swelling.
Deebo appears to be in good spirits and just wants to play with his little brother K9 “Emmett”, however, due to restrictions Deebo cannot play or return to work under the Doctor’s orders.
On the positive side, we have been receiving so many well wishes and support from people across our community and the country beyond. Deebo and his family along with the Saginaw Police Department family would like to extend our sincerest gratitude for all of the support we have received during this tragic event.
We would especially like to thank Great Lakes Pet Emergencies for their excellent and immediate care of Deebo, along with the generous private donor that assisted with his vet bill.
Deebo’s family is not able to honor any media interviews or questions at this time and ask for privacy while the investigation takes place. Please also see the attached statement from the Saginaw Valley Police Canine Association.”
K9 Deebo is loved by the community
Police Chief Bob Ruth says that Deebo holds a special place in the department and the Saginaw Community in which he serves. He often goes to local schools and puts on demonstrations to teach children safety rules. He helps by building a relationship between the department and the community.
“Everyone loves him, the citizens love him,” Ruth said. “He’s here to protect the officers and essentially that’s what he does. That’s what he was doing this morning.”
How you can donate to help pay for Deebo’s medical costs
To help pay for Deebo’s medical costs, the Saginaw Valley Canine Association has started a donation fund on its Facebook page. You can watch the press conference from the Saginaw Police Department about what happened with Deebo below.
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