NewsWFLA News Channel 8October 28, 2026Hillsborough County
HBK-9 donates replacement K-9 to Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy
Photo: WFLA News Channel 8
HBK-9 donated a 15-month-old German Shepherd named K-9 Vader to Polk County Sheriff's Office Deputy Natalie Oestreich after her previous partner, K-9 Ace, retired following a line-of-duty shooting injury.
Read the full story at WFLA News Channel 8Why It Matters
A local law enforcement deputy received a replacement working dog at no cost to the agency after the prior animal was medically retired due to a gunshot wound sustained in August.
Key Facts
- HBK-9 donated a replacement K-9 named Vader to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
- K-9 Vader is a 15-month-old German Shepherd.
- Deputy Natalie Oestreich selected Vader as her replacement dog after participating in a selection process.
- The previous K-9 partner, K-9 Ace, was shot in the chest in August and subsequently had his left front leg amputated.
- K-9 Ace recovered from surgery but was forced to retire from active duty due to the injury.
- Herb Bennett from HBK-9 coordinated the donation after hearing K-9 Ace's story.
Who's Mentioned
otherVader“15-month-old German Shepherd donated as a new K-9 partner”OrganizationHBK-9“Organization that donated the K-9”locationFlorida“State where the Polk County Sheriff's Office is located”PersonHerb Bennett“Representative from HBK-9 who offered the donation”otherAce“Previous K-9 partner forced to retire after an injury”OrganizationPolk County Sheriff's Office“Law enforcement agency that received the K-9”locationPolk County“Location of the Sheriff's Office in Florida”PersonNatalie Oestreich“Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy receiving the new K-9”