K9 Minor – Geauga, Ohio


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Died 8/30/22
Handler – Deputy Jim Dhayer

Geauga County K-9 Miner dies 2 weeks after medical issues force him to retire

The Geauga County Sheriff’s Office is sad to announce the passing of 11-year-old K-9 Miner on Aug. 30, just two weeks after he retired.Unforeseen medical issues forced Miner into early retirement on Aug. 16, GCSO said. GCSO said K-9 Miner and handler Deputy Jim Dhayer graduated from K-9 school on May 22, 2012. The 11-year-old German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois cross was certified in narcotics detection and patrol through the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission and the North American Police Work Dog Association.GCSO deployed Miner to find drugs, weapons, and missing persons throughout his career.“Miner enjoyed showing off his skills during K-9 demonstrations at local schools, and at other county and law enforcement events, GCSO said. “He also provided his talent and expertise to other area agencies.”Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand shared the following statement: “A K-9 Handler’s job is unique, as is their K-9 companion. They are the few who will live out their lives together, on and off duty. Deputy Dhayer and his family will have a difficult void to fill.As the Sheriff, I would like to take this moment to thank everyone who has donated to the K-9 program over the years. Your donations have assisted us in sustaining the Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit.”

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.