K9 Bosco – Orange, California

Died – 4/4/18
Handler – Officer Damon Allen

Bosco the Hero Police Dog Euthanized Due to Medical Condition

A loyal and beloved Southern California police dog whose heroics and determination helped bring a five-hour standoff to an end earlier this year has been euthanized. Orange Police Department K9 Bosco was euthanized due to a medical condition discovered Wednesday, the department announced in a statement. Details about Bosco’s illness were not immediately available. “With heavy hearts, the decision was made to euthanize Bosco,” Orange police said in a heart-breaking statement. “Rest in peace, faithful partner. We love you and will miss you.” The courageous dog brought a five-hour standoff to an end in February when he dragged a pursuit driver out of a pickup. The man punched Bosco repeatedly on the snout and head, but the dog, trained to only release his bite when told to do so, refused to let go until the criminal was in custody. It was one of at least 60 arrests assists credit to Bosco during his five years with the force.

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.