K9 Kain – Angels Camp, California

Died – 10/30/15
Handler – Sgt. Steve Poortinga

Angels Police Morn Passing of Police Service Dog, Kain

It was with great sadness that the Angels Camp Police Department shares with the public the passing of police K-9, Kain. Kain was suffering from complications related to an internal infection that was affecting his internal organs. This condition came on suddenly and was immediately brought to the attention of his veterinarian. Doctors worked for several days to attempt to stabilize Kain and treat him, however he did not respond to treatment. Kain passed away in the company of his handler on Friday, 10-30-15. Kain was only 6 years old at the time of his passing, and he served with the department beginning on Jan 17th, 2012. Sgt. Steve Poortinga was Kain’s handler, and during his time as Sgt. Poortinga’s partner he was involved in the apprehension and arrest of numerous criminals as well as the location and seizure of illegal narcotics. Additionally, Kain and Sgt. Poortinga participated in various community outreach events, including public demonstrations and narcotic sniffs of the school campuses. Kain will be greatly missed by the police department, he thoroughly enjoyed protecting and serving the community at large. The staff of the Angels Camp Police Department offers their sincere condolences to the Poortinga family during this difficult time. We also want to offer a special thank you to the staff at Angels Camp Veterinary Hospital, for their tireless effort caring for Kain.

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.