Volusia K-9 shot in line of duty to receive Purple Heart, Medal of Valor

Deputy Brett Whitson, DeLand Animal Hospital to also be honored at ceremony

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. – A Volusia County sheriff's K-9 will receive a Purple Heart after returning to work from being shot in the neck months ago. 

Endo, the 4-year-old German shepherd, was responding to a domestic disturbance call in Deltona last year when shots were fired.

Deputies were searching for the suspect where more shots were fired, striking Endo in the neck area.

According to the news release from Volusia County Sheriff's Office, "The bullet barely slowed him [Endo] down, as even after being seriously wounded, Endo remained vigilant and poised and was willing to re-engage the armed, fleeing suspect to protect the lives of his fellow deputies."

Endo will be honored at a 9:30 a.m. ceremony by Volusia County Sheriff Ben Johnson. Endo’s K-9 handler, Deputy Brett Whitson, also will be honored, along with the DeLand Animal Hospital, as it is awarded the Outstanding Citizenship Award for treating Endo’s bullet wound and helping him to make a full recovery.

The ceremony will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday.