Video: Pa. Deputy Wounded in Ambush Attends K-9 Fundraiser

In his first public appearance since he was seriously wounded in an ambush that killed police officers, York County Sheriff's Lt. David Godfrey attended a fundraising dinner for the agency's K-9 unit.

Oct. 7, 2025

2 min read

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York County Sheriff's Lt. David Godfrey, critically injured in the Sept. 17 York County shootout that killed three police officers, attended a K-9 unit fundraiser Sunday, entering the event with a walker to a standing ovation.
Godfrey, a 24-year veteran and Special Operations lieutenant, oversees the K-9 and drone units and previously served as a K-9 handler and master trainer.
The shootout occurred as officers attempted to serve an arrest warrant on Matthew Ruth, who opened fire, killing three Northern York County Regional police officers before being fatally shot.

A lieutenant with the York County Sheriff’s Office who was injured in a shootout on Sept. 17 attended a spaghetti dinner fundraiser at the York Fairgrounds on Sunday.

Lt. David Godfrey attended the dinner for the York County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit, according to a video posted on Facebook.

“Just one week ago, Lt Dave Godfrey was in the hospital, barely able to move his leg — and here he is today, WALKING into the York County, PA Sheriff’s Office spaghetti dinner to show his support for his K9 team and to be there as his one of his own K9 Tommi, retires,” a caption on the video reads.

Godfrey is seen walking into the dinner with a walker as attendees stood and applauded.

Godfrey, a 24-year veteran of the York County Sheriff’s Office, oversees the department’s K-9 unit.

Godfrey was one of two police officers hospitalized after the deadly mass police shooting that killed three officers at a home on Haar Road in North Codorus Township, York County.

Godfrey was assisting Northern York County Regional police with drone surveillance when they were attempting to serve an arrest warrant to Matthew Ruth, 24, for stalking and other charges, which was when Ruth opened fire on the officers.

During the shooting, Godfrey exchanged gunfire with Ruth and sustained critical injuries.

Godfrey serves as the Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Lieutenant, overseeing the Drone Unit, Community Services, Project Lifesaver, and the office’s social media platforms.

He is also a certified master trainer through the National Association of Professional Canine Handlers and had served as the handler for K9 Captain Dargo, who died last year.

Sgt. Isaiah Emenheiser, Det. Sgt. Cody Becker and Det. Mark Baker, all of the Northern York County Regional Police Department, were killed in the shootout. Ruth was also killed during the gunfight.

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