The Rockland County Sheriff’s Office announced the sudden passing of K9 Officer Ott. The five-year-old German Shepherd, who served as a devoted partner to Sergeant Joseph Mercurio, succumbed to an illness on the morning of May 9, 2024.
K9 Ott, originally from Slovakia, was named in honor of Police Officer Patrice Marie Ryan-Ott of the NYPD, who tragically passed away in 2006 from a 9/11-related illness. Alongside Sgt. Mercurio, Ott graduated from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Patrol and Explosive Detection School in 2021. Her training included tracking, evidence recovery, criminal apprehension, handler protection, and explosives detection.
K9 Ott had an active and impactful career with the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office. As part of a highly trained K9 team, she was instrumental in patrolling the county, assisting in numerous searches for criminal suspects and missing persons. Her expertise was also regularly called upon for explosive sweeps ahead of special events and VIP visits. K9 Ott was frequently requested to assist local agencies in searching for firearms and supporting search warrant operations.
Beyond her police duties, Ott was known for her social demeanor and enjoyed visiting schools and community groups, giving demonstrations with Sgt. Mercurio.
A loyal partner and friend, K9 Ott will be deeply missed by Sgt. Mercurio, the entire Mercurio family, and her fellow officers at the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.
