K9 Kira – New Milford, Connecticut

Died – 4/4/21
Handler – Sergeant Michael Lafond

CPWDA is sad to announce the passing of retired K9 Kira who was partnered with Officer Michael Lafond of New Milford Police Department. K-9 Kira had recently retired from active duty in January, after 10 years of dedicated service. Kira succumbed to complications following surgery to remove a recently discovered tumor. Kira passed peacefully with her handler Sgt. Lafond. Kira was recently honored with a ceremony at the Town Hall including a Mayoral Proclamation highlighting an impressive career. Officer Lafond and K9 Kira joined the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association on 11/5/11 and were members until the time of her passing. K9 Kira was certified in Patrol and Narcotics. We send our thoughts to the Lafond family, New Milford Police Department and friends. Rest in peace K9 Kira and thank you for your service.

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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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