City Says Goodbye to a Special Friend by Chester Wallace - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

MARCH
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events

City Says Goodbye to a Special Friend

By Chester Wallace, Community Writer
March 1, 2017 at 01:51pm. Views: 26

MORENO VALLEY>> The City of Moreno Valley is saddened to announce the loss of Moreno Valley Police K-9 Ivan, a seven-year-old German Shepherd who spent the last 5 and a half years keeping the city safe. A news release from the City states Ivan succumbed to natural causes on Thursday, Feb. 23. He is survived by his K-9 handler Deputy Kevin Brooks. Ivan was born in Croatia on May 22, 2009, and was brought to the United States to be trained as a police service K-9. In November 2011, Ivan finished his training and was assigned to Brooks at the Moreno Valley Station. Ivan was trained in patrol, narcotics detection, tracking and evidence location. His abilities and keen instincts won Ivan numerous awards at police K-9 competitions throughout the years. Ivan worked hard to please Deputy Brooks and both enjoyed their time together, working, playing fetch or relaxing at home, the news release states. "Brooks was not only Ivan’s working partner, but his best friend. The two were inseparable whether fighting crime or conducting demonstrations for residents. Ivan was the City of Moreno Valley’s most active community relations dog, appearing at dozens of City events, school presentations and parades," the release states. "He and Brooks were the unofficial ambassadors of Moreno Valley. But Ivan wasn’t all show. He was an excellent police service dog with numerous felony suspect apprehensions and seizures of illicit street drugs." The release states Ivan and Deputy Brooks exemplified the K-9 and K-9 handler relationship. "They served as wonderful public servants and the unofficial ambassadors of the Moreno Valley Police Department for many years," it states. "The City of Moreno Valley family grieves with Deputy Brooks over the loss of his partner and his friend. We will never forget Ivan, our friend and K-9 officer."

Related Articles

Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 200

Moreno Valley residents are being invited to take an active role in shaping the city’s future, by serving on one of its Boards or Commissions, Mayor Ulises announced.

Photo Courtesy of: Loma Linda University Church

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 217

The student ensemble, directed by Michael Pichette, will be presenting a vespers program featuring reflective wind and percussion music that brings together students, families, and the local community.

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Titans

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 193

Young athletes with the Grand Terrace Titans Jr. All American Football & Cheer sit together and smile for a group photo during practice, wearing team uniforms and bows, representing teamwork, confidence, and community spirit.

Cheerleading events feature cheer competition performances, where our athletes showcased their routines, teamwork, and dedication.

The football events focus on time spent together both on and off the field, competing, training, building brotherhood, and strengthening team bonds through shared experiences.

Photo Courtesy of: Grand Terrace Woman's Club

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 184

Members of the Grand Terrace Woman’s Club welcome community members during one of their Bingo Game Nights, which raise funds to support local outreach efforts while bringing residents together for an evening of fun and fellowship.

Photo Courtesy of: Youtube: IE Pulse

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:17pm. Views: 248

Colton firefighters respond to a hazardous hydrogen‑fuel tank explosion, quickly securing the scene and preventing further danger to the surrounding neighborhood.

Photo Courtesy of: CUSM

By Cynthia Baker, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 228

Taken on July 22, 2025: The MD class of 2029 MD took the Hippocratic Oath and received their white coats, symbolizing entrance into the medical profession.
"This class brings the largest number of Inland Empire-based students to a CUSM MD class," said Paul Lyons, MD, President and Dean of California University of Science and Medicine. "It is core to our mission to support the communities of the Inland Empire in terms of education and health accessibility. Admitting qualified IE-based students is a major part of bringing our mission to life."

Photo Courtesy of: San Bernardino County Department of Public Health

By Stella Pierce, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 233

Airbud, a tan Shepherd-mix dog, happily jumps up to play with a handler during outdoor enrichment time at the shelter, showing his energetic and playful personality.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Stella Price, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 236

Illustrative image of a happy family outdoors with one dog and one cat, both shown wearing pet insurance tags. Moreno Valley Animal Services and MetLife Pet Insurance form a unique partnership in an effort to remove adoption barriers.

Photo Courtesy of: City of Riverside, Fire Department

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 176

City of Riverside Fire Department officials and city leaders stand in front of a fire engine, cutting a red ribbon to unveil new PumpPod equipment, during an outdoor ceremony on a sunny day.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By William Cortez, Contributing Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 142

An AI-rendered image showing a person wearing a hood and gloves removing a property tax payment envelope from a blue mail drop box during low light conditions.

Photo Courtesy of: ChatGPT (AI-generated)

By Charmaine Mislang, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 249

AI-generated image of a family of four sitting at a kitchen table, looking together at a laptop while holding CalFresh informational materials and an application form. The adults and children appear engaged and focused, suggesting they are reviewing or applying for food assistance benefits.

Photo Courtesy of: Designed by Freepik

By Angela Giacobbe, Community Writer

March 3, 2026 at 12:18pm. Views: 151

An energetic group of friends stand outdoors, smiling and embracing in a moment of connection and support. Staying proactive about health—including routine colon cancer screening—helps ensure more moments like these for years to come.

--> -->