K9 Shenko – Metropolitan Transportation Authority, New York

Handler – Officer Michael Sachar

CPWDA is sad to announce the passing of Retired Canine “Shenko”, who was the devoted and loyal partner of Police Officer Michael Sachar of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department. K9 Shenko was certified in Patrol and Explosive. “Shenko” was laid to rest Tuesday 5/11/2021. Canine Shenko was named in loving memory of NYPD Officer Timoshenko who was killed in the line of dutyon 7/14/2007 while conducting a vehicle stop. Officer Michael Sachar and “Shenko” attended Explosive Detection Canine Training (EDC) and Patrol Training at the MTA Police Canine School in 2009. As a team they held certifications as an EDC and Patrol Canine from NYS DCJS, ATF NORT, USPCA, CPWDA, and NAPWDA. “Shenko” enjoyed an active and vigorous police career. As a Canine Team assigned to patrol the 14 counties of the MTA System, Police Officer Michael Sachar and “Shenko” successfully prevented and solved numerous crimes throughout their career. They had been charged with protecting many high level federal, state and local dignitaries, and frequently assisted many local agencies. Officer Sachar and K9 Shenko joined the CPWDA ON 2/4/10 and were members in 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 & 2017. We thank you for your service and R.I.P.

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.