K9 Vedder – Niagara, New York

Died 7/8/23
Handler – Lt. Sean Furey

Retired K9 from Niagara County passes away

The Niagara County Sheriffs office posted the sad news of the passing of retired K9, Vedder to Facebook Wednesday. In the Facebook post the Sheriffs Office shared that Canine Vedder passed away peacefully on July 8.K9 Vedder and his handler Lt. Sean Furey started their career together in March 2012. Together they became the first full-time Dual Purpose Explosive Detection Canine Team in Niagara County.Vedder and Furey were able to conduct sweeps throughout their career together at well-known places such as the Niagara Falls International crossing with US Customs and Border Protection at the Amtrak Station, Buffalo Bills games, University at Buffalo football games, Penn State Graduation ceremonies, and dignitary sweeps throughout the region. Canine Vedder was also well known for his demonstrations at local schools enjoying kisses and hugs from children when not on the job. Vedder was officially retired in the fall of 2020, and given the opportunity to move into Furey’s home where he could enjoy life with his family.Canine Vedder took his last patrol through Niagara County on July 8, 2023, and passed peacefully in his partner’s arms. The Niagara County Sheriff’s office expressed their deepest condolences, and appreciation for Vedder’s service throughout his career.

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.