K9 Hero

Sgt. Don Vom Ederbergland

McLoud Police Department — McLoud, OK

Gunfire German Shepherd

Service Record

End of Watch January 1, 2002

Age 6

Gender Male

Weapon Rifle

K9 Profile

Breed German Shepherd

Cause Gunfire

Agency

Department McLoud Police Department

Location McLoud, OK

Incident

K9 Sgt. Don Vom Ederbergland, aka Sgt. Don, was shot and killed by a homeowner after the owner's pitbull attacked him.

Sgt. Don and his handler were preparing to leave the handler's home for their shift when the pitbull broke loose from its chain and attacked them. Sgt. Don jumped from the patrol car and started chasing the pitbull back to the other property. His handler called him off and, as he returned to the handler, the pitbulls owner started shooting at Sgt. Don, the handler, and the handler's home with a semi-automatic rifle.

Sgt. Don was taken to an emergency animal hospital where he died the following day. The man who shot him was charged with reckless handling of a firearm and killing a police dog.

Sgt. Don had served with the McLoud Police Department for two years.