K9 Ceiko – Greenville, Texas

Died – 2/6/18
Handler – Officer Robert Pemberton

Greenville police mourn loss of former K9 officer

The City of Greenville is mourning the loss of a beloved furry friend and former officer who died on Feb. 6. On Jan. 6, 2005, the City of Greenville purchased Ceiko, a German Shepherd, from a company in Oklahoma, using seizure funds donated by the Hunt County Attorney’s Office. From that date until his retirement in 2013, Ceiko served the Greenville Police Department and the citizens of Hunt County. Ceiko retired in 2013 and went to live with his K9 handler, Officer Robert Pemberton. Pemberton shared a few special words about his companion and partner. “Any dog owner who has lost a pet can attest to how painful letting go can be, and the grief is no different for a police officer and his K9. It was one of the most difficult days of my career when I made the decision to end Ceiko’s pain and suffering. However, I’m hurting far more than I anticipated. As a team, Ceiko and I had immediate success on the streets. The arrests and seizures wouldn’t have been possible without Ceiko. I wanted Ceiko to live a good quality life after his retirement. Although I know Ceiko didn’t enjoy retirement like humans do, I’m proud to say he adjusted as much as he could. Ceiko became my family’s dog and their protector when I was at work. Ceiko was a great partner and I am forever thankful to the Greenville Police Department and Citizens of Hunt County who we proudly served. It was a great responsibility, full of life-changing events not only for me but for my whole family that we hold near and dear to our hearts. Ceiko and I share some great memories; it was an awesome experience that I will cherish forever. I know Ceiko loved his job and serving his community. Thank you all for being a part of his great life.”

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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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