K9 Frodo – King, Washington

Died – 2/7/25
Handler – Deputy Roland Gervacio

King County Sheriff’s Office mourns beloved retired K9 Frodo

The King County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its retired K9s. K9 Frodo passed away passed away peacefully surrounded by his faithful handler and loving family.“Frodo joined the department in 2013 from Von Liche Kennels in California and trained with Deputy Roland Gervacio to become a fully certified generalist tracking K9 in 2014,”Frodo spent four-and-a-half years as a K9 on patrol. During his time, he garnered 107 captures and recovered eight guns. “Additionally, he assisted in de-escalation where his presence bolstered officer safety and surrenders without use of force,” the post said.In 2014, Frodo received a commendation from the SeaTac Police Department for bravery. He successfully found an armed robbery suspect, and in the process was cut by razor wire and needed stitches.Frodo retired in 2018.He spent his time eating vanilla ice cream and playing tug-of-war and hide-and-seek.“While ferociously dedicated on task, he was equally friendly and playful with department and community members alike,” according to the post. “Frodo, you left a permanent pawprint on our hearts and will be forever missed.”

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.