Auburn police officer reunited with K9 partner in hospital

Lee County, AL-An Auburn police officer who was critically injured in a triple shooting Sunday night was reunited with his K9 partner in the hospital.

Wednesday, the Auburn Police Department said Officer Webb Sistrunk has improved from ICU and is now in critical care at Columbus Regional Medical Center.

“The Sistrunk family thanks everyone for their continued prayers for our officer,” a statement released by the police department said, “and asks that you keep the Buechner and Elliott families in your prayers as well.”

Sistrunk had a special visitor Wednesday in his hospital room.

Family, fellow officers and hospital staff arranged for Sistrunk’s K9 partner, Leon, to visit his hospital room, according to Jessica Word Roberts with the hospital. Leon was with Sistrunk during the shooting but wasn’t injured. Photos show Leon excitedly licking Sistrunk’s face.

“Officer Sistrunk is an eight year veteran of the Auburn Police Division and is a K-9 Officer,” APD said. “Leon was with Officer Sistrunk during this incident, but was not injured. Leon’s third birthday is coming up in July and his favorite toy is a tennis ball.”