Wounded Portland Police Officer Says Fallen K-9 Kept Him Alive

Portland police K-9 unit Officer Jeff Dorn, a 16-year bureau veteran, is recovering from leg wounds and his police dog Mick was fatally shot in Wednesday morning's early shootout with burglary suspects in Southwest Portland.

Police released the officer's and dog's identity Wednesday afternoon.

Police have not identified the three suspects taken into custody. But Wednesday afternoon they said Dorn's shootout on Southwest Lobelia Street was with a 20-year-old man, according to a police release.

Mick just recently joined the Portland Police Bureau K-9 Unit after completing the extensive training program required to become state certified as a police canine in late March.

Dorn, 40, remains at Legacy Emanuel Medical Center and is continuing to recover from gunshot wounds to both legs, police said.

Portland police said Dorn and his family "are very thankful for the outpouring of support by fellow police officers, their families and the community at-large," according to a bureau release..

"Officer Dorn would like the community to know that 'Mick saved my life,' " Portland police Sgt. Pete Simpson wrote in the release.

"We've had two officers shot in the past month protecting our community. Today's incident is a reminder of how dangerous policing can be," Chief Michael Reese said. "I'm very grateful that Officer Dorn will recover from his injuries and saddened that we lost one of our K-9 partners."

Mayor Charlie Hales said, "We are saddened by the death of Mick, but heartened that Officer Jeff Dorn is doing okay and is in good spirits."

Hales said he visited the officer and his family at the hospital, to "voice our thanks for his service."

Several members of the community have asked the Police Bureau if there is a donation fund for the K-9 Unit. Non-tax-deductible donations can be sent directly to the Portland Police Bureau K-9 Unit: Portland Police Bureau K-9 Unit, 4735 East Burnside St., Portland, Oregon 97215.

It has not been determined if there will be any public service to honor Mick after he was killed in the line of duty.

The community is encouraged to share their thoughts and well wishes for Officer Dorn and Mick on the K-9 Unit's Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ppbk9 or the Bureau's Twitter account, @PortlandPolice. Use the hashtag #RIPK93Mick.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service