Handler – Sgt. Ryan Sumner
Lenexa police mourn death of 4-year-old police K9
The Lenexa Police Department is mourning the death of a police K9. The department said in a Facebook post that 4-year-old K9 Leo, a Belgian Malinois, was still in active service, but in recent weeks was diagnosed with lymphoma. Police said K9 Leo was certified in both narcotics detection and patrol work. In his short time, K9 Leo located 20 criminal suspects who had fled from officers, and had over 50 narcotics finds. He was even featured in a national law enforcement publication after apprehending a shooting suspect. K9 Leo lived with his handler, Sgt. Ryan Sumner and the family’s two pugs. “K9 Leo was the 3rd police K9 that I’ve had the honor of handling in my career. Losing a dog is always hard, and Leo is no exception. Part of a police K9’s service means being put in positions of danger for the protection of officers and the community. I will always be grateful for Leo’s dedication and loyalty. Leo loved going to work every day and I’m comforted that he was able to do that until the end. He will be missed by me, my family, and the entire Lenexa Police family,” Sumner said.