K9 Leo – Hampton, South Carolina

Died – 7/21/24

Hampton County K-9 suffocates on kennel gate

It is with deep sorrow that Hampton County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of K9 Deputy Leo. On July 21st, 2024, at approximately 7:05 AM, K9 Deputy Leo was found deceased by his handler. Deputies were dispatched to the handler’s residence, where it appeared that K9 Deputy Leo had accidentally suffocated after becoming caught in the kennel gate. Upon arrival, deputies secured the scene and met with the handler. No signs of foul play were observed. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has been contacted to further investigate the incident. K9 Deputy Leo was a valued member of the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, known for his dedication and service. His handler, the entire Hampton County Sheriff’s Office team, and the community he served are deeply affected by his death. “Please keep Leo’s handler and the entire K-9 team in your prayers as they mourn the loss of Leo,” states Sheriff Russell. Leo was seven years old and had served with the department since 2018.Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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