Moses Lake PD K9 receives escort

On March 4 at 10:50 a.m., Moses Lake K9 Unit dog "Chief" was escorted through Colfax on his way back to Moses Lake after surgery at Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

The police escort started at the hospital in Pullman and went all the way to Moses Lake. The escort included K9 handlers from Spokane, Spokane County, Pullman Police Department, Cheney Police Department, Grant County Sheriff's Office and Moses Lake Police Department.

On Friday, Feb. 28, Chief was shot in the left eye with injuries to his face and throat while pursuing a robbery suspect with the Moses Lake PD.

Chief was airlifted to Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport and then transported to Washington State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital where he underwent surgery. The day before his release, Chief had to have his left eye removed.

It is still uncertain if Chief will return to active duty. He will return to WSU in six to eight weeks to check on his progress.

A fundraiser was set up on gofundme.com by the Moses Lake PD to help cover the medical bills, transportation and recovery costs for Chief. These funds will also go towards retraining Chief. If he is not able to continue as a K9 officer, the money will go towards a new K9 replacement. The goal for the fundraiser is $30,000 and has received $27,047 from 513 donors as of March 5.