Tears for Leo: Hundreds of Florida cops hold heartbreaking funeral for hero K9, 4, who was shot in the line of duty while defending his handler from gunman, 44, as he hid in a backyard
- Leo was shot by armed criminal Jeremy Bradsher on February 17 and died days later in hospital
- His handler Justin Tortora praised his bravery and said 'because of Leo, three men went home that day'
Hundreds of Florida police officers turned out for the funeral of K9 Sheriff Leo who was shot by an 'evil man' while defending his handler and two other cops.
Sheriff's deputies were confronting 'violent, armed criminal' Jeremy Bradsher, 44, who was wanted in a battery case on February 17 when he opened fire on the officers in a back garden in Marion County, Florida.
Leo leapt to his handler's defense and 'charged directly' at Bradsher before he was shot. Cops then returned fire and killed Bradsher.
Speaking at Leo's funeral, his handler, MCSO Corporal Justin Tortora said: 'Because of Leo, three men went home that day, I truly believe that. The violence that was intended for us, Leo stood in our place.'
Leo was a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd.
- Hundreds of officers, K9s and members of the public attended the memorial service on Monday
- His handler and the chief gave emotional speeches
- Leo's handler's wife, Alesa Tortora wept after the service for Leo
- Speaking at Leo's funeral, his handler, MCSO Corporal Justin Tortora said: 'Because of Leo, three men went home that day.'
- Marion County Sheriff's Chief Deputy Robert Douglas, left, gives MCSO Corporal Justin Tortora a hug after he spoke
Tortora added: 'It was amazing to watch. It was the bravest thing I've ever seen in my life.'
He said: 'These are more than animals, they're more than animals to us. They're not just dogs.'
'They are truly our protectors and on Feb 17, that's what Leo did. On February 17, Leo and I were exactly where we were meant to be.
'I don't look back and say I wish I was on vacation, I don't look back and say "Hey, I wish somebody was there in our place", that's where we were supposed to be.
'We trained for thousands of hours for that moment, to face the person that others wouldn't want to face.
'Because of Leo, I've had 16 days with my wife, 16 days with my daughter.
'As sad as this day is, it was the best thing in my life to work with that dog, to hold his lead. It's the best years you'll ever have.
- Leo and his handler MCSO Corporal Justin Tortora before his death on February 17
- Jeremy Bradsher shot and killed Leo while firing on officers on February 17
- Leo was a four-year-old Belgian Shepherd
The sheriff's department closed their offices for the funeral, which was attended by hundreds of officers, fellow K9 deputies and members of the public.
Announcing his death in February, Sheriff Billy Woods said: 'As most of you are aware, on Saturday morning, my deputies faced a violent, armed criminal.
'During the confrontation, this evil person shot K-9 Leo as Leo was responding to protect his handler and the other deputies.
'Leo did exactly what he was trained to do.... and that is to fearlessly defend and protect those deputies. To charge directly at danger.'
- Hundreds of officers including fellow K9 deputies attended the funeral
- His handler made an emotional speech and said Leo saved his life
- Members of the public also attended to honor Leo
'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.
He added: 'Most of you do not know the unique bond that develops between the law enforcement K9 and their handler.
'That bond is what binds them to some extraordinary levels of loyalty, love, and unwavering determination.
'I would ask that in the coming days, weeks, and months, that you keep our K-9 team in your thoughts and prayers. They are going to need it. I said it yesterday, and I will say it again.'
