K9 Argo – Hidalgo County, Texas

Died – 10/10/15
Handler – Lt. Francisco Guerrero

K-9 deputy receives final call before being put down

It was a sad goodbye to a K-9 cop for a Texas police agency. Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office K-9 cop Argo was put down on Saturday, but not before an emotional ‘last call’ over police radio as he was surrounded by her family. The sheriff’s office described Argo’s journey to their department and his battle with cancer. They wrote: “Argo was born on the 13th of March 2006 in the Czech Republic. Argo was a perfect example of his breed, the Czech German Shepherd. After being acquired from Creative Kennels in Turlock, California, he proudly began his training and service with the Hidalgo County Sheriff’s Office in August of 2009 and was partnered with LT Francisco Guerrero.
Argo was a Narcotics Detection Dog that certified with the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association on a yearly basis as well as a skilled and relentless Police Tracking Dog. Argo was credited with taking thousands of pounds of dangerous drugs off of our streets as well as the apprehension of many dangerous felons. Argo was diagnosed with bone cancer, but refused to let it slow him down. Only after the pain became evident to his partner and the cancer was found to be all over his body and terminal, was the hard, painful, but loving decision made to end his suffering. Argo was given a small and private ceremony where he was honored with the traditional Last Call, given to those who pass in the line of duty.” Sheriff’s officials thank the public for the kind words during this time. They say Argo will be publicly honored at the HCSO First Annual South Texas K9 Competition on Nov. 10.

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.