PLATTE COUNTY – In May, a show of support from the community provided the $10,000 necessary to schedule surgery for Platte County Sheriff’s Department K9, Pancho. The department did not have funding to cover the expense of a necessary surgery to resolve Pancho’s mobility issues stemming from a herniated disc. The funds were raised within a few days, and his surgery took place on September 30.
Specialists at Colorado State University’s veterinary medicine department operated on Pancho to repair a herniated disk in an attempt to prevent permanent damage to the canine’s spine.
Platte County Sheriff David Russell confirmed a Facebook post from the department which stated the surgery went well, and after a full day of observation at the hospital, Pancho was able to go home to recover with his family.

“He is already walking better – still hurting a bit, but he’s getting better every day. Thank you all for your support,” the post said.
Russell said it will be a few months before he will be cleared to be back in service to the sheriff’s department with his handler, Captain Will Kirlin.
Totalled Patrol Vehicle
A sheriff’s patrol vehicle was totaled as a result of losing traction while responding to an emergent call on Sept. 15. There was water on the roadway from rainfall when the deputy lost control of the vehicle. The damaged Dodge Durango has been parked in the sheriff’s department parking lot, pending conclusion of the insurance claim. The deputy was uninjured in the incident.