K9 Hero

Vasko

St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office — Fort Pierce, FL

Gunfire Australian Cattle Dog

Service Record

End of Watch June 25, 2004

Age 5

Gender Male

Weapon Handgun; .22 caliber

K9 Profile

Breed Australian Cattle Dog

Cause Gunfire

Agency

Department St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office

Location Fort Pierce, FL

Incident

K9 Vasko was shot and killed while performing an apprehension during a foot pursuit of a car-jacking suspects.

During the track one of the two suspects fired a shot, at which time Vasko attempted an apprehension. The subject fired two more times, striking Vasko. His handler was able to return fire and wounded the subject multiple times.

Vasko was transported to an emergency veterinarian hospital where he underwent surgery, but died from complications the following day.

K9 Vasko was posthumously awarded the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office Medal of Honor and Life Saving Award