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.

K9 Jack – Syracuse, New York

Died 12/28/23 Handler – Officer Quick Syracuse Police Department announces loss of two K9 officers on same day The Syracuse Police Department announced that two of its retired K9s Nik and Jack have passed away.Both dogs passed away on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.The department posted the news to X, saying “Our courageous four legged Officers will be missed greatly.”Syracuse Police …

Read More »

K9 Nik – Syracuse, New York

Died 12/28/23 Handler – Sergeant Joe Szakacs Syracuse Police Department announces loss of two K9 officers on same day The Syracuse Police Department announced that two of its retired K9s Nik and Jack have passed away.Both dogs passed away on Thursday, Dec. 28, 2023.The department posted the news to X, saying “Our courageous four legged Officers will be missed greatly.”Syracuse …

Read More »

K9 Hans – Pittsburg, Pennsylvania

Handler – Officer Clint Thimons Pittsburgh Police K9 Unit Mourns Loss of K9 Hans The Pittsburgh Police K9 Unit is mourning the loss of K9 Hans, a 4-year-old Patrol/Explosive Detection dog, who passed away unexpectedly.K9 Hans joined the K9 Unit in November 2021, attending the Pittsburgh Police K9 school. He and his handler, Officer Clint Thimons, graduated from the K9 …

Read More »

K9 Hunden – Bluffton, South Carolina

Handler – Sergeant Jason Rodriguez Bluffton Police Department mourns loss of beloved K-9 Hunden The Bluffton Police Department announced Wednesday the death of K-9 Hunden. Hunden was born in June 2015 and began working with the police department in 2017.”Hunden, alongside handler, Sgt. Jason Rodriguez dedicated himself to the Bluffton Police Department, leaving an indelible mark on our community,” the …

Read More »

K9 Stryker – Rapid City, South Dakota

Died 12/26/23 Handler – Officer Sean Doyle Rapid City Police Department says goodbye as retired K9 is laid to rest On the day after Christmas, the Rapid City Police Department bid a heartfelt farewell to retired K9 Stryker, who peacefully passed. Born on April 4, 2010, Stryker was nearly 14 years.Stryker enjoyed an long career with the Rapid City Police …

Read More »

K9 Leo – Monmouth, New Jersey

Died – 12/26/23 Handler – Sergeant Michael DeLuca Community Mourns Passing Of Monmouth County K9 The Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own. Their K9 officer named Leo has died at the age of 7. “It is with the heaviest of hearts that the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office announces the passing of K9 Leo, …

Read More »

K9 Broko – Connecticut State Police

Died – 12/21/23 K9 killed in Stonington officer-involved shooting Video – escort – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1817435065351706 A Connecticut State Police dog died Thursday night and a person was injured as a result of an officer-involved shooting on Mechanic Street in Pawcatuck.The incident happened at about 7:30 p.m. when police tried to serve a felony warrant out of Norwich at a residence near …

Read More »

K9 Leo – Kodagu, India

Died 12/21/23 ‘Leo,’ The Crime Detection Dog Of Kodagu District Police Passes Away Leo, the crime detection dog, which had served for 10 years and 9 months at the Kodagu District Dog Squad, has passed away following illness on Dec. 21.Leo was inducted into the Dog Squad on Feb. 26, 2013 and had retired from service on Nov. 17, 2023.Leo, …

Read More »

K9 Django – Fort Wayne, Indiana

Handler – Officer Ron Coffelt Fort Wayne Police Department mourns loss of K-9 ‘Django’ On Wednesday, the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) announced the death of Django, a former K-9 who served the department for nearly seven years. Django joined the department in September 2013 and served until his retirement in January 2020.Django worked alongside Officer Ron Coffelt and stayed …

Read More »

K9 Randy – Meridian, Idaho

Meridian bids farewell to beloved retired K9, Randy, celebrated for bravery and service Meridian Police Department announced the passing of a retired K9, Randy.Randy started with the department in December 2015 and spent the next five years working as a K9. The department says he was a great drug dog and a brave and committed patrol dog with multiple apprehensions. …

Read More »