K9 Argo – Columbus, Indiana

Died 1/30/25
Handler – Officer Branch Schrader

CPD announces death of retired K9 Argo

The Columbus Police Department has announced that its retired K9 Argo died on Jan. 30 at the age of 13.Argo faithfully served the Columbus Police Department and the City of Columbus alongside his partner and handler, Officer Branch Schrader, from 2012 until his retirement in April 2024. In retirement, Argo was able to enjoy his days as a beloved companion to Officer Schrader.Over a remarkable 12 years of service, Argo, a German Shepherd/Belgian Malinois mix, was responsible for 482 arrests and 443 narcotics seizures. He completed nearly 3,000 hours of training, 105 building searches, and assisted in over 150 tracks, including helping to find missing children. His dedication, loyalty, and skill made him invaluable to his fellow officers, according to the police department.“Those who had the privilege of working with Argo knew he was not just a K-9—he was trusted team member and protector. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the department said in a news release.

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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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