K9 Justice – Holly Springs, North Carolina

Handler – Sgt. Ottaway

Holly Springs Police Department mourns loss of K9 ‘Justice’

The Holly Springs Police Department Wednesday afternoon is mourning the loss of K9 Justice, who passed away.Justice was a German Shepherd Dog who dedicated his life to ensuring the safety and security of the Holly Springs community. He worked alongside his handler and lifelong companion, Sgt. Melissa Ottaway, for many years.The Holly Springs Police Department said, “We bid farewell to a true hero, a beacon of hope, and a loyal friend. Justice’s contribution to our department and the community will never be forgotten.”Justice retired from active duty and enjoyed his golden years at Sgt. Ottaway’s home. He loved to relax with his favorite toys and treats.Justice’s legacy will be remembered by every officer of the Holly Springs Police Department, every child he comforted during outreach programs, and every community member he protected.”He was a true hero who will be missed by all who knew him,” police said.

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.