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 Gabby – York County, South Carolina

Died – 4/9/24 Handler – Sgt. Randy Clinton Legendary York Co. K-9 dies from health complications A legendary York County Sheriff’s Office K-9 died on Tuesday due to health complications resulting from a cancer diagnosis.Gabby was honored in the morning by YCSO K-9 team members, Rock Hill Police K-9 Team members, and former handlers before being taken to a veterinarian.“This …

Read More »

K9 Agar – Readington Township, New Jersey

Handler – Sergeant Chris Heycock Hunterdon County Police Dog Mourned Agar, a police dog in Hunterdon County, has died, the Readington Township Police Department announced on Friday, April 5.Agar, along with his handler Sgt. Chris Heycock, graduated from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Office Canine Training Academy in 2017 with certifications in patrol and narcotics detention, police said. “Agar and Sgt …

Read More »

K9 Odin – Wichita, Kansas

Handler – Officer Brandon Faulkner Wichita police K-9 dies after cancer diagnosis Wichita police say K-9 officer Odin has died.The Wichita Police Department says the dog has recently experienced health issues, and it was discovered he had cancer. The department says Odin was laid to rest Friday morning surrounded by his human partner, Officer Brandon Faulkner, and his family.Odin had …

Read More »

K9 Layka – MWD

Died – 4/5/24 Handler – U.S. Army Sgt. Julian Trent McDonald Famous military dog Layka crosses the rainbow bridge after final salute at UT College of Veterinary Medicine One of the most famous war dogs in U.S. history received a final farewell at the University of Tennessee on Friday by those who loved her in her last moments.On a mission …

Read More »

K9 Edo – Roswell, Georgia

Died – 4/5/24 Handler – Officer Peter MacDonald Roswell police announce K-9 passes away after brief battle with cancer The Roswell Police Department announced, “with a heavy heart,” that one of their K-9s had passed away.According to Roswell police, K-9 Edo was being treated for a sudden medical emergency and was diagnosed with an aggressive and widespread form of cancer.Edo …

Read More »

K9 Addy – Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

Handler – Det. Tim Kastner Retired Wauwatosa police dog dies, was department’s first K-9 The Wauwatosa Police Department on Wednesday announced the death of retired K-9 Addy. He was the department’s first K-9 officer, joining the force in May 2010.In a Facebook post, the department said K-9 Addy passed away with his handler, Det. Tim Kastner, at his side. He …

Read More »

K9 Dany – South Williamsport, Pennsylvania

Died – 4/3/24 Handler – Detective Sergeant Devin Thompson End of Watch for South Williamsport Police K9 Dany Retired South Williamsport Police K9 Dany was laid to rest on April 3.”It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired South Williamsport Police K9 Dany on April 3rd,” wrote the South Williamsport Police on their Facebook page.”Dany was …

Read More »

K9 Uno – Bridgeport, Connecticut

Died – 4/2/24 Handler – Marie Cetti The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association (CPWDA) is sad to announce the passing of K9 Uno on 4/2/24 who was partnered with Officer Marie Cetti with the Bridgeport Police Department. K9 Uno recently retired in 2023 and he resided with Ofc Cetti until his unfortunate passing. K9 Uno was certified in Patrol and …

Read More »

K9 Rivan – Virginia Department of Corrections

Died – 4/2/24 Handler – Officer Kharmishia Phillip Fields Virginia K9 killed by gang members Authorities in Virginia are mourning the loss of a K9 officer they said was killed by gang members at a state prison.The Virginia Department of Corrections said K9 Riven died while protecting his assigned corrections officer, staff, and other inmates at Sussex State Prison Tuesday.According …

Read More »

K9 Jaxx – Bladen County, North Carolina

Capt. Daniel Matt Bryan Clark, 35, was laid to rest with his K9, Jaxx, by his side.Capt. Clark played a big role at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office for the past 14 years. Sadly, he took his own life at his home on 4/1/24. Clark was deployed to Iraq during his six years in the Army as a combat medic. …

Read More »