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Hernando Deputy Attacked By Another Deputy's Canine

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TBO.com

Published: February 9, 2009

Tracer, a dog with the Hernando County Sheriff's Office, attacked a deputy Saturday morning, biting his left forearm, right hand and right ring finger.

Deputy Chris Erickson, 45, was taken by ambulance to St. Joseph's Hospital in Tampa and needed surgery for his injuries. He now is recovering at home.

Erickson has been with the sheriff's office since 1985. He has been a canine handler with the department since 1990.

The attack occurred about 10 a.m. Saturday when Erickson and Deputy John Gore were preparing for a canine demonstration at Ridge Manor Community Center in Brooksville. Tracer is Gore's canine.

Tracer suddenly lunged at Erickson, biting his left forearm, deputies say. When Erickson dislodged Tracer, the dog bit his hand and finger.

The 6-year-old German shepherd is being retired from the department, deputies say. The dog had spent three years with the canine unit. Now, he will remain at Gore's home.

Gore, 48, has been with the sheriff's office for 13 years. Deputies anticipate Gore will receive another dog to replace Tracer on the job.

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