K9 Rufus – Cheshire, England

Died – 3/13/25
Handler – PC Neil Jukes

Retired Cheshire and North Wales police dog Rufus passes away after years of service

Cheshire and North Wales Police Dogs have paid tribute to retired police dog Rufus, who passed away last night after years of dedicated service.Rufus joined the force in 2015 with his handler, PC Neil Jukes. From the start, he showed strong character and enthusiasm for his work.Licensed as a scanning and rummage drugs dog, he played a key role in detecting illegal substances and supporting police operations.A statement from the Cheshire and North Wales Police Dogs unit described his passion for the job: “His love was scanning, and he could often be seen working tirelessly to help keep communities safe.”His passing has saddened colleagues and the wider community, with tributes pouring in for the loyal and hardworking canine.Police dogs like Rufus play a crucial role in law enforcement, using their skills to detect drugs, explosives and missing persons.Many go on to enjoy retirement with their handlers, continuing the bond formed during service.The police dog unit thanked Rufus for his service, adding: “He had a lovely retirement and was spoilt rotten, regularly enjoying days out with his family. He will never be forgotten and will be sadly missed. RIP Rufus.”

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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