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Marion County deputies, community honors K9 killed in line of duty

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The Marion County community honored K9 Leo, who was killed in the line of duty, with a memorial service on Monday.

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Leo was shot while helping deputies respond to a domestic dispute last month.

He died three days later.

The memorial was held at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office in Ocala, where people paid their respects.

Read: Suspect dead, K9 injured in Marion County deputy-involved shooting, sheriff’s office says

His handler, Cpl. Tortora, spoke for the first time and credits Leo for saving his life that day.

“It was the bravest thing I’ve ever seen in my life,” he said. “Because of Leo, I’ve had 16 days with my wife; I’ve had 16 days with my daughter.”

Read: Public invited to memorial service for heroic K9 ‘Leo,’ killed while protecting Marion deputies

Leo was four years old when he died.

He joined the force in 2021.

See the full memorial below:

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