Sara Dorsey, Tampa Bay’s 10 News

Tampa, Florida - To Tampa police officer Mike Bridges K-9, Deebo is not only a dog.

Officer Mike Bridges, Tampa Police
I’m the one who feeds him i’m the one that shelters him I’m the one that gives him warmth… I spend more time with this dog, or any dog I train, than with my family.
They are a team. Deebo fearlessly protects his provider, but this experienced K-9 handler never expected the roles would be reversed and he’d have to save Deebo’s life, especially during routine training with a routine device.

Officer Mike Bridges, Tampa Police
As the dog came up with full momentum, this end hit the ground and this end hit the back of his throat and it just jammed it right in there and it choked him.
Fellow handler Chris Hendrix saw it happen.

Officer Chris Hendrix, Tampa Police
You almost feel helpless, you feel helpless you want to help him.
With his partner unconscious and fading fast Officer Bridges took action.

Officer Mike Bridges, Tampa Police
I had to hold his mouth like that and blow in his mouth to give him air.
Doggie CPR, some might laugh, but at the time it was anything but funny.

Officer Mike Bridges, Tampa Police
My partner is going to die right in front of me and that’s probably the worst feeling I’ve ever felt.
The K-9 unit says there are plans to modify the training device so what happened to Deebo doesn’t happen to another dog. After a week of recovery, Deebo is back to his playful self set to hit the streets by the end of the month.

Ofc. Mike Bridges, Tampa Police
I think he’s probably going to be the best dog I’ve ever worked.
And while Deebo may never understand, he goes far beyond a four legged friend.

Ofc. Mike Bridges, Tampa Police
I’m just glad it worked out like it did. He means a lot to me.
Deebo had some throat irritation but is expected to recover fully. He will be patrolling the streets of Tampa and sniffing out bombs once he’s put into service.