K9 Rex – Michigan State Police

Died – 7/25/21

Michigan State Troopers are reporting the death of K9 Rex after a traffic crash at approximately 1:05 AM on Sunday . According to Michigan State Police an MSP Canine unit had S/B M-10 & Linwood closed due to flooding. The patrol car was positioned across all lanes of the freeway ramping off traffic. The freeway had been closed for several hours. At approximately 1:05 AM, the canine unit activated his emergency tone and advised he had just been hit. The trooper advised the suspect vehicle was also in flames. Detroit Fire arrived on scene and began treating the severely injured passengers of the suspect vehicle. The suspect vehicle occupants were transported to a local hospital. At this time it appears the suspect vehicle was traveling at freeway speed and hit the MSP Tahoe. The trooper sustained non life threatening injuries to his legs. MSP Canine Rex was transported to Blue Pearl animal hospital in Southfield for severe spine and leg injuries. K9 Rex later died as the result of his injuries. The driver of the suspect vehicle is believed to be under the influence of alcohol. He has serious injuries. The female front seat passenger has critical injuries. Troopers and the MSP Crash Reconstruction team investigating the crash and have obtained a blood draw which will be tested for alcohol.MSP Canine Rex was a member of the Metro South Post and was known for his determination in searching for suspects and articles. He was a tremendous partner to his handler and was an asset to the post.

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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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