K9 Heinz – Fairfax, Virginia


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It is with a heavy heart we share the news of the recent passing of retired K9 Heinz. He served our community with distinction from 2011 until he and his handler retired in 2017. The name Heinz paid homage to his handler’s home roots in Pittsburgh, PA. One noteworthy case in K9 Heinz’s career was when he apprehended a suspect responsible for a violent sexual assault as well as a shooting. The subject was fighting when K9 Heinz arrived to help, tipping the edge in favor of our officers. Once in handcuffs, a loaded revolver was located in the subject’s pocket, leaving no doubt K9 Heinz saved our officers that night. In his retirement, K9 Heinz spent plenty of time playing with his family and furry sibling. Rest easy K9 Heinz, you are clear to secure. Thank you for your service.

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.