K9 Ripo – Flagler, Florida

Flagler County Sheriff’s Office announces passing of retired K-9 Repo

The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday announced the passing of a 14-year-old K-9 that retired from active service seven years ago. “We’re saddened to announce the passing of retired K-9 Repo,” the sheriff’s office posted on its Facebook page. K-9 Repo was born on July 23, 2008, and he began his service with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office in the summer of 2009, according to the sheriff’s office. “During his career, K-9 Repo was responsible for the successful recovery of large sums of narcotics as well as several apprehensions of criminal suspects,” the post read. K-9 Repo retired in 2016 after an eight-month battle with a cancerous tumor. After receiving treatment, the sheriff’s office said K-9 Repo overcame the tumor, allowing him to enjoy a long and happy retirement his handler.

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.