The Austell City Council voted 6-0 on July 12 to accept full payment for Austell K9 Jerry Lee’s medical bills from the Georgia Police K9 Foundation as a result of its fundraiser.

K9 Jerry Lee is recovering after his left front leg was amputated in May because of a gun shot by a wanted felon who then committed suicide in April, according to the Austell Police Department on its Facebook page at facebook.com/AustellPoliceDepartment.

In a June 15 memo to the city’s Police Committee, Austell Deputy Police Chief Natalie Poulk said K9 Jerry Lee was treated at Blue Pearl Animal Hospital in Sandy Springs for an estimated total of $9,843.

“After attempts to save his leg, it was determined that - to increase his quality of life - it was decided to have his leg amputated,” she added.

Now retired, K9 Jerry Lee continues to make his home with his handler, Austell Police Officer Edward Reeves, according to a previous AJC article.

Since his injury, K9 Jerry Lee has received many gifts and well wishes, including a painting by Smooth Fox Illustration, lots of dog food and goodies from Teeter Mason and Tactical Protection Specialists and a handmade cross by Jerry Blakeney.

About the Author

Keep Reading

“Getting here has not been an easy journey,” Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said during the ribbon cutting ceremony for the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Featured

Atlanta Police Chief Darin Schierbaum, accompanied by Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith, provided an update to the press during a media tour at the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center. They discussed the new Simulation Center, which will enable officers to train for various crime scenarios, including domestic disputes, commercial robberies, and kidnappings. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2024.
(Miguel Martinez / AJC)

Credit: Miguel Martinez-Jimenez/AJC