K9 Leo – Monmouth, New Jersey

Died – 12/26/23
Handler – Sergeant Michael DeLuca

Community Mourns Passing Of Monmouth County K9
The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own. Their K9 officer named Leo has died at the age of 7. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of K9 Leo, beloved partner of Sgt. Michael DeLuca,” The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. The German shepherd was briefly battling cancer before he ultimately passed away on December 26. “The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is deeply saddened over the passing of K9 Leo, who was an outstanding member of the K9 Unit,” Sheriff Shaun Golden said. “Sgt. DeLuca and K9 Leo were extremely essential in bolstering homeland security capabilities by playing a vital role in protecting Monmouth County against criminal and terroristic threats, as well as assisting in the apprehension of suspects. Leo will be missed and never forgotten for his loyalty and service.” Leo graduated from the Bergen County K9 Training Academy and shortly after arrived to the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. In 2017, he began service with Sgt. DeLuca, and specialized in explosive detection and patrols. Throughout the course of their work, the team was called to 391 bomb calls, assisted with numerous patrols and seized two handguns. In addition, Sgt. DeLuca and Leo conducted K9 demos at schools and community events throughout the county. “I’m so grateful to Sheriff Golden and the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office for providing Leo and me with this great opportunity,” Sgt. Michael DeLuca said. “Leo was not only my partner, he was my best friend and a part of my family. The best part of my career was spent with him, assisting in the fight against crime, for the past six and a half years.” Currently, the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office K9 Unit consists of seven sheriff’s officers/K9 handlers. This includes one narcotics detection team, two explosive detection teams, one patrol/explosive and three tracking teams.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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