K9 Yogi – Las Vegas, Nevada

Died 10/10/24
Handler –

Las Vegas police K9 passes away at 9

Police said patrol dogs are used to find suspects who hide from police and as a less-lethal force option to de-escalate suspects in violent situations.“K9 Yogi was an exceptional police dog and partner,” Metro police said. “Despite being a cancer survivor and all-around tough dog, he passed away on October 10, 2024.”His service ended on Oct. 9 and he was scheduled to retire. Police discovered he was suffering from a sudden neurological issue making it impossible for him to walk.“Yogi loved his work as a police dog,” Metro says. “We will remember him for his service to the Las Vegas Community, his elementary school demonstrations, and the many suspects he found and apprehended. Yogi made Las Vegas a safer community and he will never be forgotten.”

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.