Local and statewide leaders Tuesday paid their respects to a Riverside County sheriff’s sergeant who suffered a fatal heart attack while on duty training with the sheriff’s K-9 team.
Sgt. Harry Cohen, 48, died Sunday night. He was a 24-year veteran of the department, and is survived by his wife and two children.
Gov. Gavin Newsom on Tuesday said he and his wife were saddened to learn of Cohen’s death.
We “offer our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time,” Newsom said. “His service to the Riverside County community will not be forgotten.”
Also on Tuesday, Riverside County Board of Supervisors Chairman Manuel Perez led the board in a several-second moment of silence in Cohen’s honor.
Cohen was assigned to the department’s K-9 Unit at the time of his death, although his career stretches back to 1996.
As a deputy, Cohen worked assignments at the Banning, Lake Elsinore and Southwest stations and the Ben Clark Training Center. He was promoted to corporal in 2003 and to sergeant in 2010.
In response to Cohen’s death, the Riverside Sheriff’s Association partnered with the National 9-99 Police and Sheriff Foundation to create a fundraiser with a goal of earning $25,000 for Cohen’s family.
As of 5:30 p.m., 36 people have given nearly $4,000 collectively to the cause.
Donations can be made at rcdsacohen.firstresponderprocessing.com.