Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

The First & The Last

The first to sense the hostility of a suspect,
The first to react to protect his master,
The first to enter where danger lurks,
The first to detect the hidden intruder.
The first to take action against violence.
The first to sense his master’s joy.
The first to know his master’s sorrow or fear.
The first to give his life in defense of his master.
The last to be forgotten by those who work with others like him.
They know him as a “Partner”, not just an animal.

- Author unknown -

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

April 25, 2024

R.I.P K9 Luca you will never be forgotten and you will be missed by your community, department, and handler. I hope you are helping protect the streets of Heaven.

Anonymous
Son of 2 police officers

March 13, 2024

K9 Luca, you were an amazing police dog. You served your community, and its really sad that someone could’ve taken your life. Your family and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office is going to miss you a lot as you crossed the rainbow bridge. All the K9’s that have also crossed the rainbow bridge will be waiting for you. You now get to roam free and do what you love most. You died being a hero and are remembered by everyone. Rest In Peace K9 Luca.

Madison Schmidt
Daughter of retired police officer

March 6, 2024

RIP Luca

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

March 5, 2024

A true four legged hero who's passing is a terrible blow for his handler and all who worked alongside him. They aren't pets, they're family.

Ptl. Jim Leahy, Jr.
Harvard University Police Department

March 2, 2024

I am sad to learn of the passing of a hero in K9 Luca. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Handler, Family and all members of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

March 1, 2024

K9 Luca, your incredible career speaks volumes about your dedication, determination and loyalty. God gifted you with extraordinary qualities that enabled you to switch gears to be whatever was needed at the time. You did everything asked of you and more - you were a loving partner and no doubt, a joy to live with! May God bless your partner with peace and rest, knowing that you are in the hands of God now!

Susan King
Civilian Supporter, Michigan

February 28, 2024

I first met K9 Luca when I certified him and his handler. Luca was a great partner who was always ready to work. Cook I know you will miss him everyday but just know we are grateful to Luca and you for your service to the people of Desoto County.

Detective Darrell prewitt
Marion Police Department

February 28, 2024

Rest in Peace K9 Luca. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the handler and the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

February 24, 2024

Thank you Hero for sacrificing your life for us Brothers!

Retired Sgt. D.R. Harvey #628
Maricopa County Sheriff's Office
Arizona

February 23, 2024

Dear Sheriff Thomas E. Tuggle II:

I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of Police K-9 Luca, your loyal and brave canine. I can only imagine how difficult this time must be for you and your fellow officers at the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office. Please accept my heartfelt condolences on the passing of your esteemed K-9 Luca.

It is evident that Police K-9 Luca was not just a highly trained member of your team but also a beloved companion and a true asset to the community. The dedication and commitment of both the K-9 and their handler are evident in the invaluable services they provide, from tracking down suspects to detecting dangerous substances.

The bond between a Police K-9 and their handler is unparalleled, built on trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. Losing a K-9 partner is like losing a member of the family, and I can only imagine the sense of loss and grief the handler must be experiencing. Please know that you and your fellow officers are in my thoughts during this challenging time.

Police K-9 Luca has left a lasting impact on the community through exceptional service and unwavering dedication. Bravery in the face of danger and commitment to ensuring public safety are commendable and greatly appreciated.

As you and your colleagues mourn the loss of Police K-9 Luca , please remember that you are not alone. The community stands with you, grateful for the sacrifices you make daily to protect and serve.

Having served as a Law Enforcement Professional for 44 years, and as a law enforcement family, if there is anything we can do to offer support or assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out.

May the memories of Police K-9 Luca and the legacy left behind provide you with comfort and strength during this tough time. Police K-9 Luca’s service will not be forgotten, and Police K-9 Luca’s impact on the community will continue to be felt for years to come.

With deepest sympathy,

Don P. Jensen Sr. - PM, PP, PGP, DrE
Chief of Police (retired)

February 23, 2024

Thank you for your service and sacrifice Luca, both to our nation and to the citizens of Desoto County. Your actions undoubtedly saved countless lives and we will forever be grateful. Rest Easy Hero

The K9s of Valor Foundation

February 23, 2024

RIP K9 Luca. Thank you for your service to the citizens of DeSoto County

Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120

February 23, 2024

I am sad to learn of the passing of a hero in K9 Luca. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Handler, Family and all members of the DeSoto County Sheriff's Office, Mississippi.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

February 23, 2024

Rest In Peace! Thank You For Your Service!

Pedro Rodriguez; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

February 23, 2024

Luca, you were a real one. You taught me so much in our short time together.

You're going to be missed.

RIP Buddy

Steve Krug
U.S. Army

February 22, 2024

Rest In Peace K9 Luca. You are a brave boy and a four legged hero now and forever. You have earned your angel wings so you can fly high and run free and be with all the K9s who we’re waiting for you.

Jill Bernasek

February 22, 2024

Godspeed Luca, we have your partner, department and community in our hearts and prayers. You will forever be missed but never forgotten. Godspeed hero.

Bernadene Loemker, Director
Running 4 Heroes

February 22, 2024

Lord God of unfailing love, to those families of our beloved nation, the United States of America, who are suffering in the wake of the loss of a Law Enforcement K-9 family member in the Line-of-Duty, help us to provide support. Allow us to be their rock and fortress in a time of immense pain and uncertainty. Help us to keep them safe and nourished in their time of grief, suffering beside them as we move toward healing and reconciliation. Lord God, in Your compassionate mercy, hear my prayer. In Christ Jesus, and by His authority, I pray. Amen.

Scriptures for Support, Hope, and Comfort:

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4 ESV]

“And ALL flesh shall see the salvation of God.” [Luke 3:6 ESV]

“For NOT ALL flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.” [1 Corinthians 15:39 ESV]

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23 ESV]

Chaplain Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA
The Badge 183 Peacemakers Prayer Ministry
Member: Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers - USA

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

February 22, 2024

K9 Luca cross over the Rainbow Bridge and enjoy running and playing with the other fallen heroes who gave their lives to save officers and the public.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

February 22, 2024

Good dog, K-9 Luca. Freetime.

Sergeant (Retired) Mike O'Connor
Branford CT PD

February 22, 2024

Positive thoughts to the handler, his family and the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office. RIP K9 Luca. #K9Dash. We never forget our Hero’s.

K9 Officer Jeff Schank
Shepherdsville Police, KY

February 22, 2024

Brave Partner… may you RIP. Thank you for your service & sacrifice .

Army Ret. Victor Roman
Retired Army

February 22, 2024