K9 Dexter – Boston, Massachusetts

Boston Police mourning the loss of retired K-9 Dexter

The Boston Police Department is mourning the loss of a retired K-9, Dexter. The department paid tribute to Dexter in a social media post on Monday. Dexter served alongside Boston Police officers for more than 7 years, police said. “It is with deep regret that the BPD announces the passing of retired K-9 Dexter,” police said. “He proudly served for over 7 years, and retired in January, 2022,” police said. “Dexter will be missed by all at BPD and we send our condolences to his former handler & family during this sad and difficult time.” Dexter’s passing was announced Monday, the same day the Somerville Police Department announced the passing of its K-9, Lobo. According to the National Police Dog Foundation, a police dog, also known as K-9, is a dog specifically trained to assist members of law enforcement. Police K-9s, which are used widely across the United States, usually serve in the force for 6 to 9 years.The most commonly used breeds are German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois, but several other breeds are represented having some unique talents, according to the foundation. Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds, and Labrador Retrievers, for example, are known for their tracking, trailing, and detection skills. When they die, police K-9s are often given full police honors and are saluted by the officers who serve alongside them.

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.