WEST CHESTER, PA — A Chester County sheriff’s deputy returned to duty the same day after being bitten by a Great Dane while attempting to serve civil paperwork at a Coatesville residence, an incident the Sheriff’s Office says highlights the unpredictable risks deputies face during routine assignments.
Deputy Kiri Burgos was attacked around 11 a.m. on July 17 after arriving at the residence to serve civil paperwork, according to the Chester County Sheriff’s Office.
According to Burgos’ incident report, a minor answered the door. Burgos requested that a parent or responsible adult come to the door so the paperwork could be served in accordance with standard procedures.
While speaking with the child, Burgos observed a black Great Dane approaching the entrance and instructed the minor not to open the door. The child nevertheless opened it before an adult arrived, allowing the dog to run outside.
The Sheriff’s Office stated the dog jumped onto Burgos and bit his left forearm, maintaining its grip despite repeated verbal commands intended to de-escalate the situation and separate from the animal.
A second minor, identified as a 15-year-old, helped restrain the dog and returned it inside the residence.
After confirming the animal was secured, Burgos notified county dispatch and requested emergency medical services. Another deputy completed service of the civil paperwork while Burgos received medical evaluation and treatment.
The Sheriff’s Office reported Burgos returned to duty later that afternoon.
Sheriff Kevin D. Dykes said the incident demonstrates how quickly routine assignments can become dangerous.
“While serving civil paperwork can appear routine in practice, this incident clearly demonstrates how quickly a scenario can change,” Dykes stated. He credited Burgos’ “real-time decision-making” and said the deputy’s actions reflected the value of preparing for unexpected situations.
The Sheriff’s Office noted the incident was not unprecedented. In 2014, a corporal serving civil paperwork at a Glenmoore residence was attacked by a Great Pyrenees, suffering multiple bites to his lower left leg that required treatment at Chester County Hospital’s emergency department. Officials said Burgos displayed similar restraint during the recent incident.
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