06/25/2026
Today, we take a moment to honor K9 Vasko.
K‑9 Vasko, a 5-year-old German Shepard serving with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, died from gunshot wounds sustained on June 24, 2004, while aiding Deputy Mike Colton in apprehending a carjacking and kidnapping suspect. During the foot pursuit in Fort Pierce, Vasko bravely engaged the suspect and was shot three times at close range by a .22-caliber handgun. Deputy Colton returned fire and wounded the suspect.
Vasko was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital, where multiple law-enforcement K‑9s donated blood, and surgeons fought tirelessly through the night to save him. Despite their efforts, he tragically succumbed to complications and suffered two heart attacks, passing away at 12:15 PM on June 25, 2004.
In honor of his valor and sacrifice, Vasko was posthumously awarded the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office Medal of Honor and Life‑Saving Award.
A fitting memorial service took place on June 30, 2004, attended by more than 800 law enforcement officers, from 51 agencies, and 71 K‑9 teams. The ceremony included a 21‑gun salute, aviation flyover, and a reading of the poem “Guardians of the Night” by Deputy Colton.
K‑9 Vasko was the first—and so far, only—K‑9 from the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office to die in the line of duty since the unit’s inception in 1985. His courage and loyalty exemplify the ultimate dedication to protecting life and serve as an enduring legacy of service and sacrifice.
Be part of the SLCSO community!
Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X for all the latest updates and news.
