K-9 Handler Thanks Community

MORENO VALLEY>> Deputy Kevin Brooks, the handler of K-9 partner Ivan who passed away Thursday, Feb. 23, wrote a letter to thank community members for their support Ivan's passing. Ivan and Deputy Brooks spent the last 5 1/2 years together to help keep residents of Moreno Valley safe. Brooks thanked everyone for their comments, thoughts and prayers. "Until something like this happens, you never realize how many people out there understand that our four-legged partners are truly more to us than just tools. They are our friends and family members," he wrote in a letter. "While I am grieving, I have been strengthened by your posts, flowers, cards and phone calls. I have received an immeasurable amount of support from my team members/family and the Riverside Sheriff’s Department in my time of grief. These actions truly show me, my family, and hopefully everyone who reads the many posts about Ivan, how much he touched me, my family and many other people’s lives in his short time here." A news release from the City states Ivan was born in Croatia on May 22, 2009, and was brought to the United States to be trained as a police service K-9. In November 2011, Ivan finished his training and was assigned to Brooks at the Moreno Valley Station. Ivan was trained in patrol, narcotics detection, tracking and evidence location. His abilities and keen instincts won Ivan numerous awards at police K-9 competitions throughout the years. Ivan worked hard to please Deputy Brooks and both enjoyed their time together, working, playing fetch or relaxing at home, the news release states. "I truly want to thank each and every person who has taken the time out of their busy lives to communicate their condolences to my family and me, Brooks said. "We thank you all again and may God bless you."