MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – On February 17, 2024, K-9 Leo of the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was tragically shot in the line of duty.

The shooting happened after deputies were dispatched to a home in Silver Springs to arrest a man on charges of battery by strangulation.

When the deputies arrived, the suspect began to shoot at them. The deputies returned fire and killed him, but not before a bullet struck K-9 Leo.

K-9 Leo and his handler, Sgt. Justin Tortora, are seen in this undated photo. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is honoring Leo’s service and sacrifice one year after his line-of-duty death.
K-9 Leo and his handler, Sgt. Justin Tortora, are seen in this photo. Courtesy: MCSO
MCSO says K-9 Leo had been on the force since 2020. Courtesy: MCSO

Marion County Fire Rescue (MCFR) transported Leo to the University of Florida Veterinary Hospital, where he died just three days later.

Following a police escort from Gainesville to his hometown in Ocala, a memorial service was held to commemorate the end of his watch.

A memorial honoring K-9 Leo stands in tribute to his service and sacrifice. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office marks one year since his line-of-duty death.
Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

A year later, K-9 Leo’s sacrifice is still remembered by everyone involved in MCSO, especially his former handler, Sgt. Justin Tortora.

This past Sunday, Tortora had the opportunity to continue illuminating K-9 Leo’s legacy at the National Police Dog Foundation’s Fallen K-9 Memorial in Washington, D.C.

Tortora attended the event in the nation’s capital and placed a rose in K-9 Leo’s memory, alongside fellow MCSO deputies.

MCSO deputies pay their respects to K-9 Leo.
MCSO deputies pay their respects to K-9 Leo. Courtesy: Marion County Sheriff’s Office

Once again, Tortora could reflect on his partner, compatriot, and best friend.

“Twenty-two red roses were placed at the heart of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial — each one honoring a brave K-9 officer who gave their life in the line of duty in 2024,” said Tortora. “These loyal partners served with courage, loyalty, and unwavering devotion. We remember them, we honor them, and we will never forget their sacrifice.”

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