OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A show of force outside the Marion County Sheriff’s Office operations center on Monday, March 4. Canine comrades came from across the state to pay respect to K-9 Leo. For Leo’s handler, Cpl. Justin Tortora, the turnout for the memorial service moved him.
“I appreciate everyone who is in attendance today, coming out and paying respects to Leo. What he had done. What he stood for,” said Tortora.
Tortora stood on a platform in front of a crowd of several hundred and spoke about the loss of his partner, the nearly 5-year-old Belgian Malinois.
“They are truly our protectors,” said Tortora. “On February 17th, Leo and I were exactly where we were supposed to be.”
Leo was shot trying to defend him and other deputies from an armed man they were attempting to arrest in Silver Springs. Leo was raced to the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital in Gainesville and underwent surgery for his injuries. The department and concerned community hoped and prayed Leo would pull through. He died a few days later.
“I don’t look back and say, ‘I wish I was on vacation.’ I don’t look back and say, ‘I wish someone else was there in our place.’ That’s where we were supposed to be. We train for thousands of hours for that moment to face the person that others wouldn’t want to face,” said Tortora. “Because of Leo, three men went home that day. I truly believe that. The violence that was intended for us, Leo stood in that place and took that violence and he continued to fight through it all. It was amazing to watch. It was the bravest thing I have ever seen in my life.”
Deputies shot and killed 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher during the confrontation.
Earlier, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods said when he got the news that Leo had lost his battle, he discovered it was an “unfortunate” first for the county.
“This is the first K-9 in Marion County, whether it be in the office the sheriff or any of our municipalities, the first K-9 that has ever been shot and died in the line of duty,” said Woods.
Woods announced a memorial will be built in the circular grassy area just outside the sheriff’s office headquarters to honor Leo and any future fallen K-9s.
“This circle from this point forward for this office will be hallowed ground for those K-9s that give their lives to the service of this community,” said Woods. “This ground will be their last resting place.”
Looking on during the memorial service was a new class of future officers from the Criminal Justice Institute at the College of Central Florida (CF) – learning a lesson that can’t be taught in a classroom.
New Ocala Police Department recruit Matthew Fairbrother said he and his classmates stayed beyond graduation to attend the memorial service.
“It means a lot. We were all devastated when we heard about the news and then the next few days him fighting for his life. When he tragically lost his life, we all wanted to be here for the memorial even though we never met him personally,” said Fairbrother. “He is one of our brothers. So, it means a lot to us to be here and pay respects.”
| WATCH: Memorial Service for K-9 Leo
“This is extremely devastating,” said Kathleen Kelley who is the Law Enforcement Academy coordinator at CF. “We have 66 recruits here today to pay their respects and I think for them to be here at the beginnings of their career, it will set the tone for the rest of their career. If they didn’t have it, it will certainly give them an appreciation for what a K-9 does. K-9 Leo gave his life doing what he was exactly trained to do and for these recruits behind me to see all of this, to see the community come out and support them is absolutely priceless.”
The service included a bagpipe player who performed Amazing Grace and Taps, a 21-gun salute, a flag presentation and ended with the final radio call for Leo.
“Leo, may you rest in peace. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. You will be missed by your family and the community. Your job here is done.”
