K9 Jake – Palm Beach, Florida

Died – 4/29/20
Handler – Officer Jose Cuellar

K9 Jake Mourned

It is with a heavy heart that The School District of Palm Beach County Police Department says goodbye to a member of our family. K-9 Jake was peacefully laid to rest with his handler, Officer Jose Cuellar, by his side. We celebrate Jake’s life, praise his accomplishments and are grateful for his service. At just a little over a year old, Jake began his career with us as a narcotic detection dog in September of 2014. With Officer Cuellar, Jake capably served our Department and assisted neighboring agencies.Officer Cuellar and Jake routinely made school visits, conducted presentations, and interacted with students during campus walk-throughs. An incredible detection dog and a favorite among our Palm Beach County students, Jake will be terribly missed and fondly remembered. Rest in peace, Jake and thank you for your service. You are always in our hearts.

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.