K9 Matzo – Arvada, Colorado


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Died 5/31/17
Handler – Sgt. David Avica

Two Colorado K-9s die on same day

Arvada police shared sad news Saturday, announcing the passing of a retired K9 that served with the force for six years. According to police, 12-year-old K-9 Matzo died on Wednesday. Matzo retired in 2013 after six years on the street. During that time, he helped make hundreds of arrests and seize thousands of pounds in illegal drugs. After he retired, he lived with his partner, Sergeant Avila, and his family, protecting them when Sergeant Avila was at work. “Matzo was a gift to my life and my family,” said Sgt. Avila. “All I keep saying to myself is, ‘Man, that was a lot of fun.’” “Matzo will always be with me.” A K-9 with the Douglas County Sheriff also passed away on Wednesday.

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.