U.S. Marshals Tactical K9 Rocky and Special Operations Group Deputy Receive USMS Purple Heart Award

Washington, DC – United States Attorney General Pamela Bondi and United States Marshals Service (USMS) Director Gadyaces S. Serralta presented Deputy United States Marshal (DUSM) Andy Deacon and Tactical K9 (TK9) Rocky with the USMS Purple Heart Award this past Friday.

TK9 Rocky, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix with the USMS Special Operations Group, was shot twice in January 2025 upon locating a fugitive hiding in a dumpster in Houston, Texas. The suspect, who had killed Brazoria County Sheriff’s Deputy, Jesus Vargas, earlier that day, was neutralized by DUSM Deacon after the deputy sustained shrapnel wounds during an exchange of gunfire.

TK9 Rocky was shot once in the chest and once in the nose by the fugitive. Rocky was airlifted to a local emergency veterinary clinic and following surgery stayed only a few days before heading home to recover. TK9 Rocky returned to full duty in only a few short weeks following rest, rehabilitation, and training.  DUSM Deacon returned to work immediately.  

This is DUSM Deacon’s second USMS Purple Heart Award. He was injured previously while executing an arrest warrant in Florida.

“Both Rocky and these deputies showed incredible courage and sacrifice that day. So many people saw the horrific video of Rocky being run to the helicopter for treatment after being shot last year. I am so happy to be able to celebrate with both Rocky and Andy today.  I have known Andy for a long time, and I am no stranger to his bravery and his work. We are truly honored to have a deputy of his caliber in our agency,” said USMS Director Gadyaces S. Serralta.

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