Community
Passing of Retired Petaluma Police K-9 Basko
Incident: Passing of Retired Petaluma Police K-9 Basko
Date : Thursday, November 2, 2023
The Petaluma Police Department announces with heavy heart the death of retired K-9 Basko, who worked as a police service dog for the department from 2012 to 2020.
Basko served as an invaluable member of our department, with multiple criminal apprehensions and narcotic seizures during his career. Basko was beloved and a favorite at department events due to his gentle nature. Basko lived out his retirement with his handler, Detective Corie Joerger and her family.
Detective Joerger and K-9 Basko’s career was a true testament to the proud and prolific legacy of the Petaluma Police Department’s K-9 Unit. As a reputable team, Detective Joerger and K-9 Basko were utilized not only for critical Petaluma Police Department calls for service, but also to assist on cases with allied law enforcement partners in the region. Basko’s skills included handler protection, suspect apprehension, article searches and narcotics detection.
Together, Detective Joerger and K-9 Basko served with distinction for eight years and were responsible for numerous high-risk suspect apprehensions. Most notable, Basko was credited for apprehending a wanted gang member and parolee who fled from a commercial burglary, initiating a dangerous DUI vehicle pursuit. In the area of narcotics enforcement, Basko has been recognized for the seizure of more than $3 million in U.S currency and for the seizure of more than $1 million in illegal narcotics.
On Thursday, November 2, 2023, Basko was surrounded by friends and family when he passed. Detective Joerger, her family, and the Petaluma Police Department want to extend a special thanks to Rohnert Park Animal Services, and, in particular, Registered Veterinarian Technician, Sara Ostrem. Their services, assistance, and compassion with Basko’s passing was invaluable. Our thoughts are with the Detective Joerger and her family who loved and adored Basko and made his life after police work a life well lived.
Media inquiries maybe directed to Petaluma Police K-9 Unit Sergeant Jake Gutierrez at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4532.
Passing of Retired Petaluma Police K-9 Basko 
Press Release
Thursday, November 9, 2023
Issued By: Sergeant Jake Gutierrez, Petaluma PD,
(707) 778-4532, jgutierrez@cityofpetaluma.org
Incident: Passing of Retired Petaluma Police K-9 Basko
Date : Thursday, November 2, 2023
Incident Summary
The Petaluma Police Department announces with heavy heart the death of retired K-9 Basko, who worked as a police service dog for the department from 2012 to 2020.
Basko served as an invaluable member of our department, with multiple criminal apprehensions and narcotic seizures during his career. Basko was beloved and a favorite at department events due to his gentle nature. Basko lived out his retirement with his handler, Detective Corie Joerger and her family.
Detective Joerger and K-9 Basko’s career was a true testament to the proud and prolific legacy of the Petaluma Police Department’s K-9 Unit. As a reputable team, Detective Joerger and K-9 Basko were utilized not only for critical Petaluma Police Department calls for service, but also to assist on cases with allied law enforcement partners in the region. Basko’s skills included handler protection, suspect apprehension, article searches and narcotics detection.
Together, Detective Joerger and K-9 Basko served with distinction for eight years and were responsible for numerous high-risk suspect apprehensions. Most notable, Basko was credited for apprehending a wanted gang member and parolee who fled from a commercial burglary, initiating a dangerous DUI vehicle pursuit. In the area of narcotics enforcement, Basko has been recognized for the seizure of more than $3 million in U.S currency and for the seizure of more than $1 million in illegal narcotics.
On Thursday, November 2, 2023, Basko was surrounded by friends and family when he passed. Detective Joerger, her family, and the Petaluma Police Department want to extend a special thanks to Rohnert Park Animal Services, and, in particular, Registered Veterinarian Technician, Sara Ostrem. Their services, assistance, and compassion with Basko’s passing was invaluable. Our thoughts are with the Detective Joerger and her family who loved and adored Basko and made his life after police work a life well lived.
Media inquiries maybe directed to Petaluma Police K-9 Unit Sergeant Jake Gutierrez at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4532.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372
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