January 23, 2009 –
MAYETTA: Police officer John Hurla, and Bowie, the police canine, were honored today with a Meritorious Service Citation for bravery in front of a large crowd at the All-Employee meeting held at the Bingo Hall.
The citation was issued by Tribal Council and was read allowed by Chief of Police Sam Grant, who gave a framed copy to Hurla and his wife, Rebecca, who was also on hand. Part of the citation read, “Both Officer Hurla and Canine Bowie maintained their composure and conducted themselves in the highest tradition of Law Enforcement.”
“I was surprised by the award,” Hurla said. “I had no idea this was coming but I am very pleased that it did.”
On December 15 Hurla and Bowie were involved in a car-chase incident where shots were exchanged and Bowiewas shot in the neck. The assailant, John Bradshaw, also received minor injuries but his companion, Nicole Miller, and Officer Hurla were not harmed. After the shoot out, Bradshaw and Miller were arrested and charged with attempted first-degree murder in connection with the incident and taken to the Jackson County Detention Center.
Before the formal presentation, Hurla conducted a drug-finding demonstration with Bowie who has fully recovered from his injury. Bowie is a Belgian shepherd and has been with the Tribal Police Department for approximately 1 ½ years. Hurla has been with department for eight years. Hurla and Bowie have both trained extensively together at the Kansas Highway Patrol in Topeka and attend refresher trainings regularly.