Some bonds are forged through training. Others are built through trust. But the connection between a police dog and their handler often goes beyond either — it becomes a matter of life and death. This is the story of Officer Cory Masterson and his K-9 partner Reno, whose instinct, loyalty, and courage turned the course of events not once, but twice.A Routine Pursuit Turns into a Deadly AmbushOfficer Cory and Reno had trained together for years, learning to read each other’s cues and respond as a single team. On a warm afternoon, they were called to assist in the pursuit of multiple suspects who had fled into nearby woods. What began as a standard chase escalated without warning. In the dense cover of trees, Cory was struck hard in the head, collapsing to the forest floor. Disoriented and fading into unconsciousness, he was vulnerable and alone.
That’s when Reno’s training took over. From a short distance away, he spotted one of the suspects approaching his fallen partner. The man clutched a weapon, moving fast. Reno sprinted forward, lunging at the suspect’s arm with precision. Despite sustaining his own injury in the struggle, Reno held his grip long enough to drive the man back, forcing him to release his hold and retreat deeper into the forest. Cory was safe for the moment — because Reno had been there.
