K9 Flash – Aurora, Colorado

Died 8/13/23
Handler – Ofc. Exstrom

Aurora Police Department grieves loss of K-9

Flash’s expertise was in narcotics and patrol. He had served alongside Officer Exstrom since he was young and hung up his collar in 2020 after eight years of work. Aurora Police said Flash and Exstrom have been inseparable for 11 years. He helped in many investigations, including a safe surrender of two armed carjacking suspects. Thoughts and prayers flooded the Aurora Police Department’s Facebook page after they posted about the loss. Some people met Flash during his time at the department. “Oh no! I’ve met Ofc Flash. He is a good dog. I’m heartfelt sorry for your loss Ofc. Exstrom and APD K-9. He did a demonstration at my Citizens Police Academy. He was on stay when the ‘bad guy’ made a move toward his partner and, I swear to God, he teleported 15 feet and stopped the attacker. Others recognized Flash for more than his work in the force but as a family member as well. “My sincere condolences to Officer Exstrom and family. These dogs are not just working dogs – they are family too. You were such a good boy Flash – run free and healthy. Thank you for your many years of service,” commented Kris Short. The Aurora Police Department described Flash as a family member and partner. He was surrounded by family and his police family when he passed Sunday.

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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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