K9 Zen – Plano, Texas


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Died 1/3/24
Handler – Officer R. Jackson

Plano Police Department announce the death of K9 Zen

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Patrol Service Dog Zen on January 3, 2024. K-9 Zen served in the department from 2013 to 2019. During his tenure, he provided exemplary service to the citizens of Plano and neighboring agencies. Zen’s keen sense of smell and expertise in patrolling the streets led to numerous narcotic and patrol finds. One of his most notable achievements was during a challenging track, accompanied by his partner, K9 Officer R. Jackson, to apprehend one of Arkansas’ most wanted fugitives. K9 Zen was instrumental in locating the fugitive and assisting officers in taking the fugitive into custody.K9 Zen was more than just a service dog; he was a hero.Plano Police K-9 Officer Jackson remembers Zen as a dedicated partner who helped protect the community while sharing a bag of Twizzlers and engaging in conversations. Zen’s service and dedication will never be forgotten. He will always be remembered and honored by the department and the community. “Godspeed to my ever-vigilant partner. Your presence is already missed,” Officer Jackson.

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.