K9 Stark – Fresno, California

Handler – Officer Fink

Fresno Police K9 dies suddenly from medical condition

The Fresno Police Department is mourning the loss of one of its dedicated K9 officers. Over the weekend, K9 Officer Stark passed away due to a sudden medical condition. Stark, a Dutch Shepherd, spent the first two years of his life training after he was born in Holland on May 4th, 2015. Two years later in January of 2017, the pup joined the department and began his journey as a Fresno Police K9 officer. During his time on the force, Stark worked alongside his partner Officer Fink, protecting the streets of Fresno. In addition to working patrol, he participated and placed numerous times in K-9 trials throughout California, showcasing his amazing skill and character. When he wasn’t on the clock, Stark spent his time at home with the Fink family, being surrounded with love. The department says that Officer Fink was proud and honored to work with and beside Stark daily.

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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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