It is always nice to know when a K9 Partner is being given to a family after a deputy or police officer passes away. The situation is so sad in general and you hope the dog will eventually live with the family they've known for so long but it isn't always the case as they're working dogs! Sometimes it isn't until the time is right that the dog reunites with his family.
Back in February, The Douglas County Sheriff's Office in Omaha, Nebraska lost Deputy Dave Wintle following a brief illness.
In a statement, the sheriff's department says,
"Deputy Wintle was a 29 year veteran of the Department who served with distinction, earning several unit citations and commendations during his career as a deputy sheriff."
He served with his K9 partner, Chet.
Deputy Wintle began his public service life as a 911 dispatcher before becoming a deputy sheriff. During his career, he served in Patrol and Courts and Criminal Investigations before spending the last 13 years as a K9 handler with Chet.
3 News Now tells us,
"In February, Douglas County Deputy Dave Wintle passed away after a brief illness, leaving behind his wife and four children. Today the Douglas County Board of Commissioners voted to turn over his K9 partner Chet to his family."
A happy ending to a very sad story as Wintle is survived by his wife and four children. Chet will bring them a lot of comfort.
Officers that pass away in the line of duty are always honored by law enforcement, the community and their K9 partners are an integral part of the police department. The family members of the officer and the dog are typically very close so in this case, the fallen sheriff deputy's family likely spent time over the past few months with Chet, at least we hope they did!
Staff note: K9 (canine) officers are law enforcement professionals who partner with police dogs (K9s) in the execution of their duties. Canine officers agree to the additional responsibility of training and caring for their police K9s.
This is such a beautiful gesture by the board of commissioners. Please let us know what you think below!
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