K9 Wilson – Lake Charles, Louisiana

Died 2/3/24
Handler – Cpl. Josh Simien

Retired K-9 Wilson laid to rest

The Lake Charles Police Department has announced the passing of retired K-9 Wilson who was a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois.Wilson began his service with the Police force in October of 2018 and was trained in tracking, handler protection, building searches, narcotic detection, and criminal apprehension. During his career, he and handler Cpl. Josh Simien, had many successes while they worked side by side, including 20 criminal apprehensions. He also assisted other agencies with narcotics detection and apprehensions of fleeing suspects.Retired K-9 Wilson laid to rest(Lake Charles Police Department)He retired from service in Dec. 2023 to live out his retirement with Cpl. Simien until Feb. 3 when he passed away at his home.The Lake Charles Police Department offered its sincerest condolences to Cpl. Simien in his time of loss and thanks Wilson for his dedicated and faithful service to the community.

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.