NORTH WILDWOOD — An Army veteran was kicked off the North Wildwood boardwalk and issued a summons Thursday because he was walking with his service dog, according to local police and a Florida news report.

Jared Goering, a Tampa resident and 19-year U.S. Army veteran, was taking his first vacation in years with his wife Sally in North Wildwood when a police officer stopped him because he was walking with his dog Navigator, he told ABC's Tampa affiliate.

The officer told Goering there were no dogs allowed on the boardwalk except guide dogs and issued him a summons. Goering showed the officer the dog's special service collar, but the officer was unapologetic, according to the report.

"He went on to say that, 'What are they doing? Giving every vet a dog now?' " Sally Goering told ABC.

Goering brought the matter to a supervisor with the department, who retrieved the summons and filed for a dismissal, according to a press release from North Wildwood Police.

"An internal affairs investigation was initiated and the incident will be thoroughly investigated by the Internal Affairs supervisor," North Wildwood police said today.

Goering entered retirement in 2009 after he suffered two IED explosions in Afghanistan within a 36-hour period, ABC reported. He that after suffering through the debilitating aftermath, his service dog has allowed him to lead a normal life and feel comfortable in crowds.

In the release, North Wildwood Chief Matthew Gallagher said he had met with representatives of America’s Vet Dogs to learn more about military service dogs.

"[They were] extremely helpful and they realize there is confusion and frustration among public officials attempting to identify assistance dog teams including guide dogs, service dogs, and military therapy dogs," Gallagher said. "[They] provided training material and information, which was disseminated to all members of the police department relating to identifying legitimate service dog teams."

According to the ABC report, the North Wildwood mayor also promised a formal apology if the investigation turns up any wrongdoing.

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