Deputy Dog Needs New Grill

By Craig Day, The News On 6

JAY, OK -- A Delaware County Sheriff's deputy shot in the line of duty is on a mission.  Deputy Steve Brownell was shot while responding to a prowler call in June.  While he's back to work and getting better, the shooting left a dental dilemma for his partner.

Deputy Steve Brownell and Chico are together 24/7.  They've been partners for two years.  Chico was there the night Brownell was shot in the arm while responding to a prowler call.

"I mean it could have been six or eight inches closer and it could have been up in here," said Deputy Steve Brownell.  "The bullet entered here, and then exited at the back of my elbow."

With physical therapy, Brownell is getting better.  But, Chico has a lingering issue.

He was in Brownell's patrol car on that night and desperately tried to help his partner when shots were fired.

"Handler protection kicked in and was trying to get out of the truck and everything and tried to, pull the cage apart, whatever he could do to get to me," said Deputy Steve Brownell.

In the process, Chico damaged four teeth, two on top and two on bottom, and needs $4,000 worth of dental work done.

"It's just like anybody that has a toothache.  He is like us.  He's having a hard time eating right now," said Deputy Steve Brownell.

That kind of money isn't exactly in the sheriff's office budget.  So, Brownell is raising money for Chico's dental work.

About $600 have already been raised for Chico's dental work.  Some of it was raised by school kids in Moseley in the southern part of the county.  They held a Coins for Canines event.

Brownell says raising money to help Chico is the least he can do for his partner, who has proven his value over and over again.

"Anything I can do for that dog.  Because he was trying to protect me the best he could," said Deputy Steve Brownell.

Anyone interested in helping with Chico's dental work can make a donation to the Delaware County Sheriff's Office or give them a call at  918-253-4531.

Any money raised above those costs will be used for Chico's training or equipment, like a bulletproof vest.