Taro – Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Died 3/10/18

Sioux Falls Police say farewell to retired K-9 officer Taro

The Sioux Falls Police Department said a final farewell to a beloved K9 officer Saturday morning. Retired SFPD K-9 officer Taro passed away Saturday morning with her former handler by her side. Sioux Falls Police posted this tribute to Taro Saturday morning: “K-9 Taro faithfully served and protected the citizens of Sioux Falls for nearly eight (8) years during her career, before retiring at home, with her handler, and living a great retired K-9 life the last several years. We thank you K-9 Taro for your many contributions to our citizens, our department, and may you rest in peace.”

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.