WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – A South Florida K9 deputy received a high honor Wednesday for taking a bullet intended for his human partner during a shootout in May.
Kasper, a K9 deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, was awarded the Purple Heart during a Wednesday morning ceremony. Kasper's partner, holding the dog by a leash, accepted the award.
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The K9 deputy was wounded by a bullet intended for his partner during a May 12 shootout with North Carolina robbery suspect Phillip O'Shea in Jupiter.
O'Shea, 46, was wanted on an arrest warrant out of North Carolina when he began shooting at deputies who tried to apprehend him, Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said. O'Shea was fatally wounded in the shootout.
Kasper was shot during the exchange of gunfire, taking a bullet that was meant for his partner.
The dog has since recovered and was apparently elated by the honor. His tail was wagging throughout the ceremony.
PBSO K9 Casper is awarded The Purple Heart for taking a bullet meant for his human partner
Posted by PBSO - Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office on Wednesday, November 15, 2017