Police dog awarded Purple Heart after taking bullet

Volusia deputy says Endo helped save lives

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – A police dog is back at work with a Purple Heart Medal and Medal of Valor from the Volusia County Sheriff's Office after taking a bullet to protect his fellow deputies.

Endo, a 4-year-old German Shepherd, jumped and barked with enthusiasm at the award ceremony Tuesday morning. Sheriff Ben Johnson handed out the awards to Endo and his handler, Deputy Brett Whitson.

In November, Endo was responding to a domestic disturbance in Deltona with Whitson. Endo was shot while chasing after a man who nearly killed his wife in a shooting outside their home, officials said.

Even after Endo was shot, Whitson said the dog was poised and willing to continue chasing the suspect to protect his fellow deputies.

"He definitely saved lives, I mean, had we not located him then, another K-9 team, whether it was myself or someone else, we would've been tracking that guy," Whitson said.

During the ceremony, Johnson said Endo is officially the most decorated police dog in their department.

Whitson said Endo has been through some extra gunshot training to ensure he does not have PTSD.