K9 Diego – Hammonton, New Jersey

Died 2/3/20
Handler – Sergeant Thomas Percodani

Police Mourn K9 Diego

Condolences to the officers of the Hammonton Police Department on the death of their longtime police K9 dog, Diego, Monday, Feb 3. Diego was a member of the Hammonton Police for 11 years, before retiring in 2017. Sergeant Thomas Percodani of the Hammonton Police received Diego in 2006 from the Sons of Italy Hammonton and they began their career together. For eleven years, Diego was the back up for officers whether it be for narcotics, apprehension, or just a town event. Finally in 2017, Diego wanted to retire and just relax at home with his family. For the next 2 years he got to relax but still wanted to go with Sgt Percodani every time he left the house for work.

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.