K9 Atos – Union, New Jersey

Handler – Sgt. Jonathan Presson

Union County Sheriff’s Office Mourns the Loss of Veteran K-9 Atos

Union County is bidding a tearful farewell to one of its most respected and dedicated public servants. K-9 Atos, a highly trained police dog, who served the Union County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 12 years, has passed away. Not just an officer, but a member of the community, Atos’s death marks a significant loss and leaves a void in the department. Atos was paired with Sgt. Jonathan Presson for the entirety of his service. Together, they formed a formidable team, demonstrating expertise in a wide range of law enforcement disciplines. From tracking to article searches, narcotics detection to building searches, handler protection, and suspect apprehension, Atos was a paragon of canine excellence. Primarily assigned to the Patrol Division, Atos also made significant contributions to the Narcotics Bureau. His keen sense for detecting dangerous drugs played a crucial role in the capture and prosecution of numerous narcotics traffickers. Atos was more than just a dog; he was an essential cog in the machine of law enforcement, ensuring the safety and security of Union County. Unfortunately, Atos’s illustrious service came to an end after he was diagnosed with cancer about a month ago. Despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Atos succumbed to the disease, passing away surrounded by his family. His death, a blow to the Sheriff’s Office, is mourned by the entire community. In the wake of Atos’s passing, Union County Sheriff’s Office and the community he served are left with the memories of a silent guardian, a canine hero whose loyalty and service will forever be etched in their hearts.

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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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