09/29/2026
Meet K-9 Jorka: Courage Under Fire
Many of you were interested in Jorka's story.
On June 15, 2023, Galveston Police K-9 Officer Murph and K-9 Jorka responded to a call-out involving a wanted fugitive with multiple felony warrants who had evaded arrest several times.
When U.S. Marshals located the suspect hiding in Brazoria County, he fled into thick brush. Jorka was deployed to track him—and successfully apprehended him.
But the situation quickly became dangerous.
While officers worked to locate Jorka and the suspect in the dense brush, the suspect was assaulting and suffocating Jorka. Despite being attacked, Jorka refused to let go and held the apprehension until officers could take the suspect into custody.
Once Jorka was removed from the scene, he collapsed from his injuries.
A K-9 medic determined that Jorka would not survive without immediate emergency care. Life Flight transported him to Westbury Animal Hospital, where veterinarians performed multiple lifesaving surgeries. Jorka remained in intensive care from June 15–26.
Throughout it all, Officer Murph stayed by Jorka’s side every day, from morning until night.
After weeks of recovery and follow-up care, Jorka made a full recovery and returned to duty on July 21, 2023. 🐾💙
The suspect received an additional 5–6 years for assaulting a police service animal.
Jorka’s story is a powerful reminder that our K-9 officers don't just wear a badge—they put themselves in harm's way alongside their human partners.
Thank you, Jorka, for your courage, loyalty, and service.
