Delaware County Sheriff’s Mourn Passing of K-9 Hero “Ozzie”

A press release from teh Delaware County Sheriff's Office announced the death of K-9 hero "Ozzie."

"It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that Sheriff Craig DuMond announces the untimely passing of Deputy Sheriff canine Osman Steele affectionately known as “K9 Ozzie”.

Earlier this morning, due to underlying health conditions, K9 Ozzie was peacefully and humanely taken out of service.

Ozzie was born in Czechoslovakia on May 19, 2012. Ozzie began his impeccable career with the Delaware County Sheriff’s Office July 12, 2013. Major John DeMeo, Ozzie’s beloved partner and best friend (photo above) completed training at the Syracuse Police Department K9 Academy where Ozzie graduated at the top of his class in an advanced degree of narcotics detection, handler protection and tracking. K9 Ozzie was directly responsible for many narcotics arrests and a distinguished career, making his first felony level narcotics arrest less than 24 hours after graduating the academy. His service to the people of Delaware County has greatly contributed to making our communities a better and safer place to live, work and raise a family. Services will be forthcoming and announced at a time in the future.

Deputy Sheriff K9 Ozzie, you will be great missed by all of us, especially by your handler, Major Demeo and his family. Rest peacefully our dear friend and colleague, Delaware County 911 acknowledges your final call out of service at 11:32"