K9 Jaap – Botetourt, Virginia

Died 11/20/23
Handler – Deputy Smusz

Retired Botetourt County K9 passes away

The Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of its retired K9s, Jaap.Deputy Jaap passed away on Monday, Nov. 20, and served the community fearlessly. He was described as “a loyal companion and an invaluable member” of the team. In 2017, Jaap began his career with the Botetourt County Sheriff’s Office and served as a cross-trained patrol K9 trained in apprehension, tracking, and drug scent work. He served with the sheriff’s office for almost five years and was a member of the Emergency Response Team. After he retired in March 2022, Jaap stayed with his longtime handler, Deputy Smusz, and his family. But, he recently got sick and needed medical attention. “We are extremely saddened by Jaap’s passing, he was a cherished member of this office, a brave companion in the K9 Unit and we are grateful for his loyalty and service to our community,” said Sheriff Matt Ward. The office says Jaap left behind an indelible paw print on the hearts of the members.

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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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