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Died – 2/23/17
Handler – Deputy Kevin Brooks
Beloved Riverside County Police K9 Dies
A police service dog that served the city of Moreno Valley for more than five years, helping catch “numerous” suspects and entertaining residents during K9 team demonstrations, died after falling ill, city officials said Friday. “Ivan,” a 7-year-old German shepherd, passed on Thursday, leaving behind his law enforcement partner, Riverside County sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Brooks. The exact cause of death was not specified, but officials said that it was not job-related. According to the city, Ivan and Brooks were paired in November 2011, after the dog completed training in patrol, narcotics detection, tracking and evidence collection. The Croatian born canine belonged to the city, which contracts with the sheriff’s department for law enforcement services. “Ivan worked hard to please Deputy Brooks, and both enjoyed their time together, working, playing fetch or relaxing at home,” city spokeswoman Kimberly Sutherland said. “Deputy Brooks was not only Ivan’s working partner, but his best friend,” she said. “The two were inseparable, whether fighting crime or conducting demonstrations for residents. Ivan was Moreno Valley’s most active community relations dog, appearing at dozens of city events, school presentations and parades.” Sutherland said the dog was responsible for “numerous felony suspect apprehensions and seizures of illicit street drugs.” It wasn’t clear when or if Ivan would be replaced. City leaders extended their sympathies to Brooks, saluting both he and Ivan as “wonderful public servants,” according to Sutherland.
