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

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A memorial service is planned to honor a K9 officer who died after he was shot while defending deputies in Marion County.

▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

K9 Leo, a 4-year-old Belgian Sheppard trained by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, died last week after being shot in the line of duty.

Officials said the suspect, 44-year-old Jeremy Bradsher, shot Leo as he was hiding in a backyard.

Read: K9 shot defending Marion County deputies dies from injuries, sheriff says

Deputies soon returned fire and killed Bradsher.

Leo was taken to a veterinary hospital in Gainesville for treatment but passed away from his injuries.

Watch: ‘He’s like a family member’: Marion County Fire Rescue credits change in state law with saving K9

“Over the last few days, Leo maintained that fighting spirit. However, Leo’s injuries were too severe to overcome this morning, and his passing will be felt by all of us here in my office and in our community,” said Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods.

Leo’s memorial service will be on March 4 at 10 a.m. in front of MCSO’s Main Operations building located at 692 NW 30th Avenue in Ocala.

See: Good dogs: TSA releases 2024 canine calendar

“Your presence and support mean a lot to us as we pay tribute to K-9 Leo’s dedication and service to Marion County,” a sheriff’s office spokesperson said. “This service is open to all who wish to attend and pay their respects to K-9 Leo.”

The service will also be live-streamed on the Marion County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

©2024 Cox Media Group