K9 Troy – Pinal County, Arizona

Handler – T. Williams

Pinal County Sheriff’s Department mourning the loss of K-9 Troy

We are sad to announce the passing of retired K9 Troy. K9 Troy began his service with PCSO in January of 2014 as a dual purpose service dog trained to detect narcotic odors and perform patrol service work. During his career, the 10-year-old Belgian Malinois had many successful deployments resulting in several suspect apprehensions and many more narcotic finds. Due to his age, Troy’s official retirement date and last day of service was April 14, 2021.K9 Troy recently developed some health concerns requiring veterinary attention. On November 19, 2021, x-rays revealed fluid in the right side of and around Troy’s heart. The veterinarian advised his heart was failing.K9 Troy passed away in the close company of his beloved handler and partner that afternoon. Thank you for you service, K9-Troy.

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.