K9 Nacho – Adams, Colorado

Died – 9/22/23
Handler – Deputy Lopez

Retired Adams County K-9 dies from cancer

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office said goodbye to a retired K-9 deputy who died of cancer Friday.The K-9, Nacho, joined the ACSO Patrol Division in 2017 and was trained for narcotics detection and patrol apprehension. On June 16, 2018, Nacho and his handler, Deputy Lopez, along with Deputy Bonder of ACSO, seized 113 pounds of methamphetamine, which has a street value of more than $1 million, according to ACSO. After a successful career, Nacho retired in 2019 due to health issues and found a home with his handler Detective Lopez, where he lived with three human siblings. ACSO said Nacho was “one of our most dedicated deputies,” and he died Friday after a battle with cancer. “K-9 Nacho was a loyal companion and an integral part of the Sheriff’s Office. He will be deeply missed by our entire agency. Farewell, Good Boy,” ACSO said.

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.