OCSO K9 TEAMS EARN NATIONAL CASE OF THE QUARTER

Matt Boster

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Posted by: Matt Boster
Date: Jul 09 2014 8:37 PM

 A case that earned two Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office K9 Teams “Medals of Merit” from Sheriff Larry Ashley has now also earned the teams the national “Case of the Quarter” from the U.S. Police Canine Association.
 Deputies Tim Patterson and Jonathan Duenas were called out January 2nd to provide
K9 support to the Crestview Police Department SWAT Team as it served a felony search warrant on suspects involved in an earlier shooting.

The two handlers positioned themselves on the backside of the house on N. Savage Street in case anyone tried to flee. When the SWAT Team entered the front of the residence using flash bangs, gunfire erupted immediately and two officers were wounded. A man tried to escape out of the back of the home but Deputy Duenas released K9 “Diesel” to apprehend the suspect as he ran towards a wooded area. SWAT Team members fired at the suspect and once “Diesel” engaged the man, Deputy Duenas saw the suspect had been shot and recalled “Diesel”. Both then continued to provide cover and maintain security until the all clear was given.

Deputy Patterson and K9 “Dax” meanwhile were called to the front, and not knowing whether or not there were additional people still hiding in the house, led a safe and successful clearing of the structure, including the crawl space underneath. K9 Unit Supervisor Sgt. James Duval says he could not be prouder of the two deputies
and their K9’s who despite bullets flying around them, helped apprehend a suspect, identified additional dangers, and assured crime scene preservation. 
 

“Their ability to remain calm under these extraordinary circumstances and bravely push through the danger is a clear indication of their professionalism and dedication to the K-9 mission,” said Sgt. Duval. The U.S. Police Canine Association, which consists of 25 regions across the country, is the oldest and most recognized police canine association in the U.S.

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