Armstrong Co. K-9 officer needs help with medical bills to get back on job

LEECHBURG, Pa. — Recent threats at Armstrong County schools prompted evacuations.  K-9 officers from our region were called to help.  

The extra help is always needed but now more than ever because Armstrong County's only K-9 officer is off the job.

Klif, an 8-year-old German shepherd, is off duty due to an injury.

"He's either got a ruptured disc or partially ruptured disc that's causing an issue," said Klif's handler Mark Heider.

Heider first noticed his partner had a problem earlier this month while responding to a threat at West Shamokin High School.  A week later, Klif couldn't get in the patrol car and started having trouble walking and going up steps.

Klif likely needs surgery to repair his ailing back, so the Armstrong County DA's office has set up an "Armstrong County DA K-9 Fund" at the Farmers & Merchants Bank and hopes the public can help. 

"You can't budget for something like this.  It's pretty expensive," Heider said. 

Heider hopes Klif gets the treatment he needs and can return to patrol soon.

WPXI