An injured police dog has made history after becoming the first K-9 officer transported by air ambulance in Tennessee.

Luca, a Belgian Malinois with the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, suffered respiratory distress after exposure to concentrated ozone. He was stabilized at a local clinic before being flown by helicopter to the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, cutting travel time to just 27 minutes.

Veterinarians, prepared for the emergency, treated Luca for three days. He has since returned home and is recovering.

Officials say the case highlights how rapid air transport can save the lives of injured K-9 officers.

wvlt.tv