K9 Pavo – Santa Monica, California

10/8/15
Handler – Officer George Mendez

Santa Monica Police Department K-9, Pavo Dies

The Santa Monica Police Department is mourning the loss of police K-9 Pavo who died on Thursday, October 8. The canine was a seven year veteran of the force. Pavo passed away after suffering complications from a medical condition. He was a cross-trained, Belgian Malinois from the Netherlands, who worked alongside his partner-handler, Officer George Mendez as a narcotics detection and patrol K-9. “Pavo was a loyal partner and family to all of us,” remarked Sergeant Roberto Villegas who heads the K-9 Unit. “Our hearts go out to Officer Mendez and his family.” Department canines go home with their partners at the end of their shifts and become part of their partner’s family. According to a press release from the SMPD, any K-9 that works for the department routinely put their lives on the line to protect those who are sworn to protect. Pavo died while at the home in the care of Officer Mendez and the treating veterinarian.

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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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