Holly MatkinRiverside, CA – Riverside County Sheriff’s Department (RCSD) Sergeant Harry Cohen died in the line of duty on Sunday after suffering a heart attack.
The 48-year-old sergeant was training with the department’s K9 team when the medical emergency struck, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said in a Facebook post on Oct. 19.
Sgt. Cohen began serving RCSD on Sept. 30, 1996, the department said in a Facebook post.
While working as a deputy, he spent time assigned to the Lake Elsinore Station, the Banning State, and the Southwest Station.
He was promoted to the rank of corporal during his service at the Southwest Station, and remained in that position until he became a sergeant in 2010.
Sgt. Cohen then worked assignments at the Moreno Valley Station, the Perris Station, the Special Enforcement Bureau, the Public Safety Enterprise Communication (PSEC), and the Ben Clark Training Center, according to his department.
He was assigned to the Special Enforcement Bureau’s K9 Unit at the time of his tragic death.
“Harry spent many years on the team as a well respected handler, and currently supervised the team,” Sheriff Bianco wrote. “RIP Harry, you will be missed brother!!!”
Sgt. Cohen leaves behind his wife, son, and daughter, The Sun reported.
“A husband, father, best friend and deputy: he will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the RCSD said. “On behalf of the entire Department, we extend our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Sergeant Harry Cohen.”
We are saddened to announce the passing of one of our own. Tonight a K9 Sergeant suffered a medical emergency while on duty. Out of respect for the family, further details will follow tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/rDFtQEKTzq
— Riverside County Sheriff's Dept (@RSO) October 19, 2020
A husband, a father, best friend and deputy: he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We have set up a fund to help support Sergeant Cohen’s family. Please consider making a donation. Your help is appreciated. #eow https://t.co/I2NbrLIonQ
— Riverside Sheriffs' Association (@RSA1943) October 19, 2020
In his line of service with the @RSO, Sgt. Harry Cohen demonstrated everlasting courage, resourcefulness, and was a faithful ally for all whom he served. We as survivors are truly grateful for his heroic contributions to the community; may he rest in peace.
– Patricia Wenskunas pic.twitter.com/qlFJRUxVTQ
— Crime Survivors (@crimesurvivors) October 20, 2020
#officerdown Sergeant Harry Cohen, Riverside County Sheriff's Department (California), EOW 10/18/2020 @RSO #ODMP Memorial: https://t.co/Sd99xubRBx pic.twitter.com/02vCDfmsIO
— ODMP.org (@ODMP) October 20, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Harry Cohen, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
