K9 Leonidas Dies in Heat Failure | Albany News

Albany News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 4, 2026 · 1m

Tragic loss: K9 officer Leonidas, an eight-year veteran partner to Deputy Daniel Coppola, died from heat exhaustion after a critical equipment failure in their K9 vehicle failed to trigger safety alarms. Sheriff Dominic Dagostino mourns Leonidas as more than a dog — a protector and beloved member of the law enforcement family. The department is now focused on supporting Deputy Coppola through this devastating loss while investigating what went wrong with the vehicle’s climate control systems. The community is urged to keep the department in their thoughts during this painful time. Listen in…