K9 – Nia – University of New Haven, Connecticut


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Died 8/30/19
Handler – Officer Jodi Novella

Former University Police K-9, Nia, Passes Away

On Friday, Aug. 30, a well known K9, Nia, died from medical complications. Her handler, Officer Jodi Novella, shared the news on Facebook in a heartfelt post. Nia was partnered with Novella in 2008 and started working with the University of New Haven in 2013. “My heart is completely broken on the passing of K9 Nia,” said Novella. “She truly made a difference in this world and she loved her work.” According to Novella, Nia participated in several programs on campus, including alcohol and drug awareness, search and seizure, and what it’s like to be on a K9 team. “She enjoyed walking around campus and interacting with students and staff,” said Novella. While working with the New Haven police department, “K9 Nia recovered over 1.5 million dollars in drugs from the streets of Connecticut while working with local, state and federal agents.” Nia was hired by the University of New Haven after retiring from the New Haven police department, and according to Novella, “Nia also enjoyed assisting the West Haven Police Department’s narcotics unit while employed by the University.” Novella said, “It broke our hearts to leave University of New Haven, but it was time to move on.” The team left the university in 2016 and moved to Florida, where they joined the Palm Beach Shores police department. “I will continue to keep Nia’s memory alive by continuing her Facebook page,” said Novella. “I can only hope that you all will continue to honor K9 Nia’s work and her life.” “She was an incredible work dog and partner, and she will be forever in my heart,” said Novella.

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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.
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