FWC officers aid injured dog after boat propeller accident on Santa Fe River
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), September 3, 2025
View video here: https://vimeo.com/1115564326
Photo of Booey courtesy of Steve Johnson.
On August 31, 2025, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers Cody Clark and Richard Covington were patrolling the Santa Fe River near Sandy Point when they were flagged down by two distressed boaters requesting assistance for their dog named Booey, who had been struck by a boat propeller.
Officer Covington assisted Steve Johnson, who is known in the Lake City and Live Oak area as WQHL 98.1’s “Cowboy Stevie D,” and his fiancée, Rosaly Lugaro, in securing their boat and transferring their belongings to their vehicle. Meanwhile, Officer Clark contacted a nearby emergency veterinary clinic, providing details about the dog’s injuries and alerting them that the couple was on the way. He then applied a tourniquet to Booey’s lacerated leg, which Johnson had already wrapped with his shirt to control bleeding.
“When we say our officers are here to protect the people, the land and the wildlife of Florida, we mean it,” said Major Scott Lee, FWC North Central Region Commander. “Officers Clark and Covington were in the right place at the right time and used their skills and training to help bring a happy ending to what could have been a heartbreaking day on the water.”
Booey was transported to the Trenton Animal Hospital, in Trenton, Florida where the veterinary team was ready and waiting. Officer Clark later followed up and was relieved to learn that Booey, who suffered three deep lacerations and a hairline fracture, is now on the road to recovery.
“I always have Booey Boy in a life jacket when he rides with me, and we were having a wonderful day on the water,” said Johnson. “We were idling, barely moving, when Rosaly and I heard a loud yelp. I don’t know who suffered more from the shock, Booey or me.”
The veterinarian confirmed the tourniquet was critical in stopping the bleeding and said Booey is expected to make a full recovery in the coming months. “I am just glad we were able to help someone out by just doing our job,” said Officer Cody Clark.
For additional FWC Division of Law Enforcement news, visit MyFWC.com/LENews
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View video here: https://vimeo.com/1115564326
Photo of Booey courtesy of Steve Johnson.
On August 31, 2025, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) Officers Cody Clark and Richard Covington were patrolling the Santa Fe River near Sandy Point when they were flagged down by two distressed boaters requesting assistance for their dog named Booey, who had been struck by a boat propeller.
Officer Covington assisted Steve Johnson, who is known in the Lake City and Live Oak area as WQHL 98.1’s “Cowboy Stevie D,” and his fiancée, Rosaly Lugaro, in securing their boat and transferring their belongings to their vehicle. Meanwhile, Officer Clark contacted a nearby emergency veterinary clinic, providing details about the dog’s injuries and alerting them that the couple was on the way. He then applied a tourniquet to Booey’s lacerated leg, which Johnson had already wrapped with his shirt to control bleeding.
“When we say our officers are here to protect the people, the land and the wildlife of Florida, we mean it,” said Major Scott Lee, FWC North Central Region Commander. “Officers Clark and Covington were in the right place at the right time and used their skills and training to help bring a happy ending to what could have been a heartbreaking day on the water.”
Booey was transported to the Trenton Animal Hospital, in Trenton, Florida where the veterinary team was ready and waiting. Officer Clark later followed up and was relieved to learn that Booey, who suffered three deep lacerations and a hairline fracture, is now on the road to recovery.
“I always have Booey Boy in a life jacket when he rides with me, and we were having a wonderful day on the water,” said Johnson. “We were idling, barely moving, when Rosaly and I heard a loud yelp. I don’t know who suffered more from the shock, Booey or me.”
The veterinarian confirmed the tourniquet was critical in stopping the bleeding and said Booey is expected to make a full recovery in the coming months. “I am just glad we were able to help someone out by just doing our job,” said Officer Cody Clark.
For additional FWC Division of Law Enforcement news, visit MyFWC.com/LENews