K9 Jack – Derbyshire, England

Heartbreak as former Derbyshire police dog dies following “short and sudden” illness

Derbyshire Constabulary have confirmed that one of their much-loved former police dogs has passed away following a short battle with a “sudden” illness. Retired Derbyshire police dog Jack passed away at 11 and a half years old after he lost his battle with a “short and sudden” illness, Derbyshire Police Dog Section wrote in a post on Twitter this afternoon (Thursday, July 22). The force described the former police dog who had served with the force for “most of his life” as a “gentle giant” that “loved everyone” and will leave a “huge gap” in their lives. Derbyshire Police Dog Section paid tribute to Jack, writing: “It is with great sadness that retired PD Jack lost his battle with a very short and sudden illness. Jack was 11 1/2 and served with Derbyshire Police Dog Section most of his life. He was a gentle giant and loved everyone and has left a huge gap in our lives. RIP PD Jack”. Thoughts with his handler and family, and all Jack’s colleagues and friends. Thank you for your sterling service. Run free, beautiful boy, safe journey to your better place and forever RIP”. Heaven gains another hero”.

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.