“It is said that a good dog only breaks your heart once and today my heart is broken as yesterday, Junny passed away after a long and courageous battle with cancer!! Junny was not just a good dog, he was a great dog, and to me and our community he will always be “America’s Top Police Dog!!”
That is how Sheriff Wayne Ivey expressed his heartfelt anguish at losing Brevard County Station’s best K9 described by the community as “America’s Top Police Dog.” Junny was an icon in the community, he was more than just a working dog; he was a cherished member of the community and a beacon of loyalty and joy. He was also Sheriff Ivey’s constant companion. On 25th of March, Junny passed away losing his brave and extended battle with cancer.
Junny’s Courageous Journey
Junny began his career with the Sheriff’s office in 2014, initially tasked with locating missing children and seniors suffering from dementia. His gentle nature and keen sense of duty quickly made him indispensable. In 2018, Junny transitioned into the role of the official agency mascot and became the personal partner of Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
Sheriff Ivey reminisced warmly about Junny, saying, “Words cannot express how much I am hurting right now, but I know how truly blessed I am that Junny shared his life with me, our agency, and our community.”
Community Ambassador and Loving Companion
Junny wasn’t just a dog with a job; he embraced his role wholeheartedly, becoming a vibrant community ambassador. He delighted in attending schools, special events, and especially loved riding in his personal side-by-side vehicle during parades. According to Sheriff Ivey, “Junny loved BBQ, ice cream, and visiting our cabin in Tennessee—he lived the best of lives and was spoiled rotten!”
Junny’s impact went beyond Brevard County as he traveled extensively with Sheriff Ivey. His presence graced events and lectures in Washington D.C., Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and throughout Florida. His specially outfitted Tahoe ensured he traveled comfortably, affectionately earning Sheriff Ivey the nickname “Junny’s Uber Driver.”
Honoring a Legacy
In recognition of his invaluable service, the Sheriff’s Office dedicated the “K-9 Junny Animal Medical Center” in February 2025. This state-of-the-art facility stands as a testament to Junny’s legacy and his significant impact on the community.
Sheriff Ivey passionately recalled Junny’s connection to the poignant legacy of Junny Rios-Martinez, a child tragically abducted and murdered in Brevard County in 1991. “Junny carried forward that important legacy, reminding us all of compassion and the need to protect our community,” Sheriff Ivey stated emotionally.
Final Farewell and Community Memorial
Plans are currently underway to honor Junny with a public memorial service scheduled for Tuesday, April 1st at 3pm at East Coast Christian Center in Merritt Island, located at 680 N. Courtenay Parkway. The entire community have been invited to celebrate Junny’s life including Junny being posthumously felicitated with honors followed by a procession to the K-9 Junny Animal Medical Center located at 5100 W. Eau Gallie Causeway. Sheriff Ivey’s latest post on the Brevard County Sheriff’s page says
“Junny was deeply loved by our community, our agency, and myself, more than words could ever describe, though our hearts are broken, Junny’s spirit and legacy will remain alive within our community forever.”
You can watch Junny’s EOW video on the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Florida (Official) page.
Andrew Alpin from India is the Brand Manager of Doggo digest. Andrew is an experienced content specialist and social media manager with a passion for writing. His forte includes health and wellness, Travel, Animals, and Nature. A nature nomad, Andrew is obsessed with mountains and loves high-altitude trekking. He has been on several Himalayan treks in India including the Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
