The U.S. Police Canine Association is recognizing two Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office K9 teams for serving in the national Case of the Quarter.
Deputies Tim Patterson and Jonathan Duenas on Jan. 2 provided 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 North Savage Street house in case anyone tried to flee. When the SWAT Team entered the front of the residence using flash bangs, gunfire erupted and two officers were wounded.
A man tried to escape from the back of the home but Duenas released K9 Diesel to catch the suspect as he ran toward a wooded area. SWAT Team members fired at the suspect and once Diesel engaged the man, 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.
Meanwhile, Patterson and K9 Dax were called to the front, and not knowing whether additional people were still hiding in the house, successfully led clearing the structure, including the crawl space.
The same case earned Medals of Merit from Sheriff Larry Ashley.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sheriff's office K9 teams receive national recognition