K9 Tucker – Palm Beach, Florida

Handler – Deputy Luis Ledbetter

K-9 Tucker peacefully passes surrounded by love

Trained for disaster situations, excelled in Human Remains Detection (HRD), remembered as a good boy, K-9 Tucker and his career won’t be forgotten. The Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) announced his passing Friday morning. Tucker is described as a “top-tier HRD K-9” whose track record speaks for itself as he was involved in working across the country, assisting various agencies, with over 70 confirmed case finds.He was first purchased as a puppy to be trained for disasters then was reassigned to Human Remains Detection, where he contributed on high-profile case closures.K-9 Tucker, “a true ambassador,” retired in July of this year, spending the rest of his “golden days” happily with his family. The sheriff’s office posted a tribute to him on social media platforms: The Facebook and X, formerly Twitter, posts for Tucker were flooded with comments.”What a fitting and loving tribute to a remarkable being. Rest in Peace Tucker, you served us heroically and will be remembered with gratitude,” a comment said.”Thank you K9 Tucker for you dedication and service. May you run happily in heaven,” one user wrote on X.”RIP Tucker! Thank you for your service. Now, play and chase butterflies in doggie heaven with your buddies,” a Facebook comment read.”You will not be forgotten for the extraordinary service you have provided to so many people over the years,” another X comment said. “Thank you for your service our furry friend, job well done. Rest In Peace buddy,” one Facebook user wrote.

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.