K9 Leo – Marion, Florida


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Died – 2/20/24
Handler – Cpl. Justin Tortora

K9 shot defending Marion County deputies dies from injuries

K9 Leo, a 4-year-old Belgian Sheppard trained by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, has died after being shot in the line of duty.“I want to thank you for the overwhelming support, prayers, and encouragement during this difficult time,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods.Leo was shot Saturday morning while defending his handler and other deputies, according to the sheriff’s office.“Leo did exactly what he was trained to do,” Woods said. “And that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies. To charge directly at danger.”Officials said the suspect, 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher, shot Leo as he was hiding in a backyard.Deputies soon returned fire and killed Bradsher.Leo was taken to a veterinary hospital in Gainesville for treatment.“Over the last few days, Leo maintained that fighting spirit. However, Leo’s injuries were too severe to overcome this morning, and his passing will be felt by all of us here in my office and in our community,” Woods said.

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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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