Doing exactly what he was trained to do, hero Florida K-9 Leo fearlessly defended and protected deputies by charging directly at danger and being shot by an evil person.
Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods praised K-9 Leo while describing how local deputies faced a violent and armed criminal. Leo was responding to protect his handler and the other deputies during the confrontation with “this evil person,” as the Sheriff said.
In the days after the shooting, Sheriff Woods said Leo maintained that fighting spirit. However, Leo’s injuries were too severe to overcome, according to local law enforcement, and his passing will be felt by all in the Sheriff’s office and in the local community.
“Most of you do not know the unique bond that develops between the law enforcement K-9 and their handler,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods. “That bond is what binds them to some extraordinary levels of loyalty, love, and unwavering determination.
“I would ask that in the coming days, weeks, and months, that you keep our K-9 team in your thoughts and prayers. They are going to need it. I said it yesterday, and I will say it again. Here in Marion County, we work together to make this the great place that it is. But that community bond just seems to shine so much more brightly during dark times.”
End of Watch: Hero K-9 Leo – February 20, 2024.
“Thank you again for the outpouring of support,” the Sheriff added. “We have definitely felt the love from our community.”
