K9 Zeus – Cranston, Rhode Island


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Died 5/4/24
Handler –Sergeant Gregg Bruno

Department announces sudden passing of Rhode Island active-duty K-9 Zeus

The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association (CPWDA) is sad to announce the passing of K9 Zeus at the age of 9 years old on 5/4/24 who was partnered with Sergeant Gregg Bruno with the Cranston Police Department in Rhode Island. K9 Zeus was rushed to the vet by his handler Sergeant Bruno after noticing K9 Zeus was not acting himself and was found out he had pancreatic cancer. K9 Zeus, a German Shepherd served from February 2015 until his passing in 2024 and was certified in Patrol and Narcotics and had numerous narcotics seizures , criminal apprehensions, firearm seizures, U.S. currency, located multiple missing persons and gave many community demonstrations. Sergeant Gregg Bruno and K9 Zeus joined the C.P.W.D.A. on 2/16/16 as Lifetime Members. CPWDA sends our thoughts and prayers to Sergeant Gregg Bruno, his family, and the entire Cranston Police Department and friends during this difficult time. K9 Zeus we will miss you and we thank you for your service to Cranston, Rhode Island. K9 Zeus served the Cranston Police Department and the Citizens of Cranston with Distinction. He was a valuable asset to the Department and will be missed by all those that had the opportunity to work with him. Thank you, K9 Zeus, for your service, dedication, and loyalty. If there are any bad guys where he’s going, we’re certain he will find them. Rest in peace Zeus.

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.