FOND DU LAC, Wis. – An emotional rollercoaster unfolded in Fond du Lac as Iro, the K9 officer shot in a critical incident on October 14th, made a miraculous recovery.
According to Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, last Friday, ahead of any predictions, Iro confidently walked out of the BluePearl Pet Hospital – Fox Valley, symbolizing resilience for a community deeply touched by his journey.
Recovery was an uphill battle. Iro, the injured K9 Officer, even with a “cone of shame”, displayed an undeniable spirit. Days after being shot, he resisted feeding and oxygen tubes, transitioned from IV lines to oral medications, and proudly located Deputy Blaine Evans’ duty gear, signaling his readiness to return to duty. As Sheriff Ryan F. Waldschmidt recalled, Iro’s determination was evident early on; instead of merely sitting up, he chose to walk.
The outpouring of community support was pivotal. The Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office K9 program, reliant entirely on donations, witnessed overwhelming generosity from locals and those beyond, emphasizing the profound connection between the officers and their community.
A huge part of this recovery was the life-saving blood transfusion from Dwyer, a lab owned by a vet technician at the hospital, which enabled Iro to undergo essential surgery.
Events surrounding Iro’s shooting is under active investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice following a disturbance call, led to a gunfire exchange, severely injuring Iro and resulting in one fatality.
But for now, Fond du Lac and Wisconsin at large celebrate the triumphant story of a K9 officer, epitomizing courage, determination, and the unbreakable bond between officers and their faithful canine companions.
