MORENO VALLEY>> The City of Moreno Valley is saddened to announce the loss of Moreno Valley Police K-9 Ivan, a seven-year-old German Shepherd who spent the last 5 and a half years keeping the city safe. A news release from the City states Ivan succumbed to natural causes on Thursday, Feb. 23. He is survived by his K-9 handler Deputy Kevin Brooks. 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. "Brooks was not only Ivan’s working partner, but his best friend. The two were inseparable whether fighting crime or conducting demonstrations for residents. Ivan was the City of Moreno Valley’s most active community relations dog, appearing at dozens of City events, school presentations and parades," the release states. "He and Brooks were the unofficial ambassadors of Moreno Valley. But Ivan wasn’t all show. He was an excellent police service dog with numerous felony suspect apprehensions and seizures of illicit street drugs." The release states Ivan and Deputy Brooks exemplified the K-9 and K-9 handler relationship. "They served as wonderful public servants and the unofficial ambassadors of the Moreno Valley Police Department for many years," it states. "The City of Moreno Valley family grieves with Deputy Brooks over the loss of his partner and his friend. We will never forget Ivan, our friend and K-9 officer."

City Says Goodbye to a Special Friend