K9, Handler Injured in Beaumont SWAT Standoff to be Honored

A police K9 who had part of his paw amputated after he was shot by a standoff suspect in Beaumont will be honored for his service at a special awards ceremony this week.

Ranger, a 3 year old Dutch Shepard, was shot in his right shoulder by an armed man who was fending off police responding to a domestic disturbance call on Morgan Avenue, south of Brookside, on Dec. 10, 2012.

Ranger and his handler— Officer Bryce Murrill of the San Gorgonio area CHP— will receive The Rick and Marie Fritts Distinguished K-9 Award at this year's annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Ceremony, or LEAC, awards dinner at the Pechanga Resort & Casino on Thursday.

The ceremony recognizes those who performed "duties deemed worthy of special recognition," according to an announcement by the sheriff's department.

Several other Riverside County law enforcement officers will also be recognized, including a handful of Beaumont police officers.  (Stay tuned for future features on other honorees.)

Related news:

• CHP: K9 Ranger Back at Work After Shooting
• Banning Vet: K9 Ranger's Return to Work Looks Promising
• Update: Police K9 Shot in Beaumont Has Part of Paw Amputated
• Beaumont Standoff: Man Killed Guilty of 'Criminal Threats' Against Former D.A.