K9 Nero – Greenville, South Carolina

Died – 9/2/15
Handler – Officer Johnathan Bragg

Deputies mourn the death of a beloved K-9

The Greenville Police Department on Wednesday mourned the loss of one of its K-9 officers via a post on the department’s page. Nero, a black and tan German shepherd, was retired in 2013 after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia and lived at the home of the officer who trained him, according to the post. He joined the department in 2008, and during his tenure, he assisted in many successful searches, drug seizures and apprehensions. One of the highlights of Nero’s career happened on March 10, 2009. During a traffic stop on Interstate 85 North, Nero helped seize 10 kilograms of cocaine. Two days later on the same section of interstate, he assisted in seizing two more kilograms of cocaine. He was put down today from continuing complications from his hip, according to Officer Johnathan Bragg. Nero is remembered for his service to the department and will be greatly missed.

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.