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Niceville Police K-9 killed, officer injured in traffic crash on Highway 85

On Monday morning, the Niceville Police Department announced that K-9 Officer Blue was killed in a traffic crash on Highway 85 on Sunday, August 7, 2022. The crash happened around 5:55pm while reporting for duty, according to the Niceville PD. According to the report, Officer Blue’s handler and friend, Sgt. Phillip Ritcheson, was transported to […]

Niceville Police Department

On Monday morning, the Niceville Police Department announced that K-9 Officer Blue was killed in a traffic crash on Highway 85 on Sunday, August 7, 2022.

  • The crash happened around 5:55pm while reporting for duty, according to the Niceville PD.

According to the report, Officer Blue’s handler and friend, Sgt. Phillip Ritcheson, was transported to the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

  • The accident is being investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol.

“The Niceville Police Department appreciates all the help that has come frorn the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Department, Ft. Walton Police Department, Eglin Fire and Medical, Florida Highway Patrol, Niceville/Valparaiso Fire Departrnents, and Okaloosa EMS,” wrote the PD in a press release. “We appreciate all the love and support that has been shown.”

Details of a memorial service will be announced in the near future.

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Community Comments

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“Highschool is finna be more crowed now. We need another highschool not a middle or elementary school.”
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“This is bittersweet. I spent a wonderful week in Cay Sal Banks on the Pilot in 2006. I will have to go pay her a visit soon....”
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“I agree with Jerome. What will this accomplish since both ends are only 4 lanes?”
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“The parking lot at McGuires would disappear along with the parcel that Destin purchased at the bridge.. Flooding on Okaloosa Island would close an expensive update to 98 , at...”
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“This will not make a difference for traffic passing through the center of Destin along Rt. 98. The smart option is to complete the Brooks Bridge and intersection in Ft...”
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“Doesn’t it still end up with 4 lanes on either end after bridges? Seems more aesthetic than a traffic plan. Which is nice too but does it increase the function?”
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“It would be a money pit let’s sink it for the tourists who we don’t have enough of so more will come”
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“Traffic moves pretty well on that stretch of 98, I don't see the need to waste the money. Maybe do something to deal with the traffic in Destin, and Mary...”
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