Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The First & The Last

The first to sense the hostility of a suspect,
The first to react to protect his master,
The first to enter where danger lurks,
The first to detect the hidden intruder.
The first to take action against violence.
The first to sense his master’s joy.
The first to know his master’s sorrow or fear.
The first to give his life in defense of his master.
The last to be forgotten by those who work with others like him.
They know him as a “Partner”, not just an animal.

- Author unknown -

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

April 25, 2024

Godspeed Leo, we have your partner, department and community in our hearts and prayers. You will forever be missed but never forgotten. Godspeed hero.

Bernadene Loemker, Director
Running 4 Heroes

April 18, 2024

Dear Leo,

You are a hero, and you are missed sooooo much. Please tell Stormy that I love him and will met you guys over the Rainbow bridge.

Citizen of Alachua county
Would that I could be the person that my dog thinks I am.

April 14, 2024

I'm so sorry Leo! Thank you for your service and sacrifice!

Sergeant (Ret.) Paul Montgomery
Dickson County Sheriff's Office

March 8, 2024

RIP Leo

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

March 5, 2024

K9 Leo, God must have wanted you home, otherwise your gear would have protected you. You are so beautiful with such innocent, intense eyes. You performed your job flawlessly, each and every time, without hesitation. A true, non-wavering hero! May God give peace and a settled heart to your partner. You were sent here for a short time, but your star will shine in the heavens for all eternity.

Susan King
Civilian Supporter, Michigan

February 28, 2024

The sacrifice you’ve made will be felt as your handler and fellow officers continue to live their lives with their loved ones. The overwhelming sense of pride we all feel knowing you is something that will never subside. We will never allow you memory and sacrifice to fade.

Rest in peace buddy

Sgt. Jeremie Nix
Marion County Sheriff’s Office

February 28, 2024

Such a gorgeous dog, intelligent & loyal to the end of his watch. Rest in sweet peace dear boy, you were such a good dog. Thank you for your service.

Retired officer Walker of Alachua County
Hills borough & Alachua County

February 25, 2024

Dear Sheriff Billy Woods:

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Police K-9 Leo, your loyal and brave canine. I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you and your fellow officers at the Marion County Sheriff's Office. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your esteemed K-9 Leo.

It is evident that Police K-9 Leo was not just a highly trained member of your team but also a beloved companion and a true asset to the community. The dedication and commitment of both the K-9 and their handler are evident in the invaluable services they provide, from tracking down suspects to detecting dangerous substances.

The bond between a Police K-9 and their handler is unparalleled, built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. Losing a K-9 partner is like losing a member of the family, and I can only imagine the sense of loss and grief the handler must be experiencing. Please know that you and your fellow officers are in my thoughts during this challenging time.

Police K-9 Leo has left a lasting impact on the community through exceptional service and unwavering dedication. Bravery in the face of danger and commitment to ensuring public safety are commendable and greatly appreciated.

As you and your colleagues mourn the loss of Police K-9 Leo , please remember that you are not alone. The community stands with you, grateful for the sacrifices you make daily to protect and serve.

Having served as a Law Enforcement Professional for 44 years, and as a law enforcement family, if there is anything we can do to offer support or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

May the memories of Police K-9 Leo and the legacy left behind provide you with comfort and strength during this tough time. Police K-9 Leo’s service will not be forgotten, and Police K-9 Leo’s impact on the community will continue to be felt for years to come.

With deepest sympathy,

Don P. Jensen Sr. - PM, PP, PGP, DrE
Chief of Police (retired)

February 23, 2024

Godspeed Leo, we have your partner, department and community in our hearts and prayers. You will forever be missed but never forgotten. Godspeed hero

Bernadene Loemker, Director
Running 4 Heroes

February 22, 2024

Rest in Peace K9 Leo. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the handler and the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

February 21, 2024

RIP K9 Leo. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Marion County

Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120

February 21, 2024

Rest In Peace! Thank You For Your Service!

Pedro Rodriguez; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

February 21, 2024

Leo, your courage, love and unwavering loyalty to your handler exemplifies your commitment to the community and the rule of law. I will say a prayer for you tonight. Godspeed Leo, you will be missed.

Robert Jenkins
United States Citizen

February 21, 2024

Condolences to K-9 Leo's handler, K-9 team and the Marion County Sheriff's Office.

Postal Inspector Adam Schaefer
United States Postal Inspection Service

February 21, 2024

Thoughts and prayers to the MCSO family, especially his handler. Rest easy, Leo. We have the watch from here.

Detention Deputy Noah Hart
Marion County Sheriff's Office, FL

February 20, 2024

K9 Leo cross over the Rainbow Bridge and enjoy running and playing with the other fallen heroes who gave their lives to save officers and the public.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

February 20, 2024

Lord God of unfailing love, to those families of our beloved nation, the United States of America, who are suffering in the wake of the loss of a Law Enforcement K-9 family member in the Line-of-Duty, help us to provide support. Allow us to be their rock and fortress in a time of immense pain and uncertainty. Help us to keep them safe and nourished in their time of grief, suffering beside them as we move toward healing and reconciliation. Lord God, in Your compassionate mercy, hear my prayer. In Christ Jesus, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures for Support, Hope, and Comfort:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4 ESV]

“And ALL flesh shall see the salvation of God.” [Luke 3:6 ESV]

“For NOT ALL flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.” [1 Corinthians 15:39 ESV]

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

February 20, 2024

Rest in Peace K9 Leo. Fly high and run free in the kingdom of Heaven. You have learned your wings. You are a true hero and will be me missed by your handler.

Jill Bernasek

February 20, 2024

Rest in Peace K9 Leo. Prayers to his family and his Marion County Sheriff's office family.

Susie Ball
Judicial Process Server
Brevard County Sheriff's Office
Florida

February 20, 2024

I am sad to learn of the passing of a hero in K9 Leo. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Handler, Family and all members of the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Florida.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

February 20, 2024

My condolences to the Marion County Sheriff's Office and particularly, this K9's partner on hearing of the passing of this very Good Boy. I know Leo's partner will surely miss him. When you lose a dog, you will find that you will absent-mindedly reach for them at your side, and your hand will crave the nape of his neck and your nose, the smell of his fur. My heart goes out to you. Though Leo faced danger bravely, I hope you take comfort in the knowledge that his job is done and he can rest in peace.

Robert Kelly, Patrol Officer
Macalester College Department of Public Safety

February 20, 2024

So this is where we part, My Friend, and you'll run on, around the bend, gone from sight, but not from mind, new pleasures there you'll surely find.I will go on,

I'll find the strength, life measures quality, not its length.One long embrace before you leave, share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true, but they be they, and they aren't you. And I, fair, impartial, or so I thought, will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed, the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed. And as you journey to your final rest, take with you this... I loved you best.

Jim Willis

David R. DeSau
Patrol Sergeant (Retired)
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Newport, OR

February 20, 2024