MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – UPDATE 2/19/2024 12:35 p.m.: Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods says K-9 Leo still needs lots of prayers but is in stable but critical condition at the UF Veterinary Hospital.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says Leo has received the “highest level of treatment” from UF veterinarians.

MCSO is asking you to keep Leo and his handler in your thoughts and prayers. They say Leo is a “faithful servant” of Marion County and was purchased with donations made by citizens.

“Citizens, I’m proud of this county. We always work together, but it just seems to shine so much more brightly in dark times. Thank you,” added Sheriff Woods.

UPDATE 2/18/2024 3:50 p.m.: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) says K-9 Leo’s condition has not changed. They say he is stable and recovering.

Leo was shot in the line of duty Saturday.

“We’re overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and prayers for our K-9 and his handler,” stated MCSO in a Facebook post.

The sheriff’s office asks that if you want to show support with cards and gifts to drop them off at Marion County Sheriff’s Office Central Operations on Monday. They ask that you not take get well gifts to UF Veterinary Hospital.

On Sunday, MCSO identified the man deputies killed in the shooting as 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher.

Meantime, Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) is praising the actions of its emergency crew for the role they played in saving the life of K-9 Leo.

MCFR said they transported Leo from the UF Vet Clinic in Ocala to UF Animal Hospital in Gainesville.

“This was the first ever transport of a K-9 by MCFR,” stated MCFR in a Facebook post. “A special thank you to our partner agencies, the Ocala Police Department, MCSO, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office and Gainesville Police Department for clearing the route on I-75 so K-9 Leo could arrive at the hospital most expeditiously.”

MCFR says crews received specialized K-9 trauma training last year and it was critical in treating Leo on Saturday.

UPDATE 2/17/2024 3:45 p.m.: A Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) communication official says that K-9 Leo is in stable condition with good vitals.

“Let’s keep those prayers coming for his recovery and for his handler, K-9 Cpl. Tortora, who’s by his side through it all,” shared MCSO.

ORIGINAL 2/17/2024 2:07 p.m.: The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is asking for prayers from the community for one of its own.

They say K-9 Leo was shot in the line of duty and may not survive.

What happened
MCSO says around 9 a.m. Saturday deputies went to a home in the 900 block of NE 144th Ct. in Silver Springs to arrest a man on charges of battery by strangulation.

Once they arrived on scene, deputies say the suspect started shooting at them and they returned fire, killing him.

MCSO says K-9 Leo was shot in the exchange of gunfire.

Leo was rushed to the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital.

Request for Prayers
“We hold onto hope and pray for his recovery,” said MCSO in a release. “Leo isn’t just a member of our force; he’s family. His loyalty, courage, and unwavering dedication to his duty embody the very essence of what it means to serve and protect. His sacrifice today reminds us of the dangers our deputies face each day to keep our community safe.

The sheriff’s office says Leo is almost 5 years old. The Belgian Malinois has been on the force since 2020.

“Let’s rally together as a community, sending love and prayers to K-9 Leo and his dedicated handler,” said the sheriff’s office in a Facebook post.