K9 Zepher – Gaston, North Carolina

Died – 10/23/23
Handler – Assistant Chief Holder

Gaston County PD mourns loss of retired K9 Zepher

The Gaston County Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its retired K9s.Zepher, who served with the department as a dual-purpose partner from 2012-18, died on Monday.”Recently, Zepher was diagnosed with intestinal cancer and has lived out his last days doing all the things he loved,” said Zepher’s mom, Minnie. “I know his days in doggy heaven will be filled with squeaky toys and head scratches. He will be missed so very much!” Authorities said Zepher enjoyed five years of retirement with his former handler, Assistant Chief Holder, and his family. The department explained Zepher to have served with ‘unwavering loyalty.’ Rest easy, Zepher. Thank you for your devotion to our department and service to the citizens of Gaston.

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.