K9 Yoshi – Dorchester County, South Carolina

Died – 11/24/21

Handler – Master Deputy Shane Judy 

Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office announces passing of retired K9 deputy Yoshi

The Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday announced the passing of retired K9 Deputy Yoshi. Yoshi passed away from medical complications Wednesday morning, according to the sheriff’s office. They said Yoshi was an 11-year-old German Shepherd and classified as a full utility working K9. “He is credited with many physical apprehensions in his career,” deputies said. “His story will live on through many of those who were apprehended by Yoshi and experienced his strength and agility (pain).” Yoshi retired from the sheriff’s office after eight years of service in November 2020. “He was lucky to be adopted and to make his forever home with K9 Handler Master Deputy Shane Judy and his family,” the agency said. “Please keep all in your prayers.”

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.