K9 Yuli – Tasmania, Australia

Tasmania Police Pay Tribute To Former K9 Who Has Sadly Died

Tasmania Police have farewelled one of their own after their life came to an end. A beautiful Labrador with the name Yuli has sadly passed away and the force is understandably devastated. “It is with sadness we acknowledge the passing of much-loved former Police Dog Yuli (PD4), who served with Tasmania Police between 2008-2016,” .”Yuli was a much-loved member of Tasmania Police who will be missed and remembered fondly. “Rest easy Yuli your watch is over…Good Boy. Now go dig some holes in the garden over the Rainbow Bridge!” Okay, who the hell is cutting onions because we are now in an absolute mess of tears and are ugly crying in the living room. The post has been met with hundreds of likes, shares and comments from people who wish Yuli farewell and have posted messages of support. One person wrote: “Yuli your family will be devastated. Thank you for all your years of service.” Another added: “So sorry for his loss, I’m sure he was adored by all who met him and worked with him over the years. Bless him always.” A third said: “RIP Yuli lots of treats for where you have gone, love and sympathy for his carer.” It’s not clear what caused Yuli’s death, however, after serving on the police force for an impressive eight years, he would have been well into adulthood by the time he handed over his badge. The Labrador helped sniff out drugs during his time with Tasmania Police and was a massive help to catching criminals. Yuli discovered more than $10 million worth of drugs during his eight years. In his first year alone, he found $70,000 worth of cannabis in the back of a car. When Yuli retired in 2016, Senior Constable Anderson said: “He’s had some really impressive finds over the years. His expert nose has outsmarted drug traffickers time and time again. “He’s always keen to get to work, but if he finds something and his treat is not immediately forthcoming he lets me know.” He was handed over to Senior Constable Jareth Anderson when he was officially let go from the force and Yuli sounded like he had a brilliant retirement. Mr Anderson said: “While they’re in service police dogs don’t get many bones but recently he’s discovered a love of digging up my backyard to bury bones. He’s always loved being with our family and will enjoy spending even more time at home.”

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.