K9 Ralf – Cumberland, Maryland

Died – 4/11/22
Handler – Cpl. Jeremy Hedrick

Passing of Cumberland Police Department canine officer

It is with sadness that the Cumberland Police Department announces the passing of canine officer Ralf. Ralf was a valuable member of the department and a partner and friend to Cpl. Hedrick. Ralf was placed on duty in November 2011, and assigned to his partner Cpl. Jeremy Hedrick. Ralf spent many years assigned to the Allegany County Narcotics Task Force and eventually moved to the patrol division also serving as a School Resource Officer canine. Ralf was responsible for recovering a lot of contraband throughout the years and helped get a lot of drug dealers off the streets. Ralf retired on September 28, 2022, due to medical issues and after a battle eventually succumbed to his illness on April 11, 2022. Ralf had an exemplary service record with our department and will be missed. He was a friend to us all as well as the many children he came in contact with. Quote from Cpl. Hedrick, “Today, my best friend, my loyal companion and my partner died. This statement doesn’t feel real. You had my back from day one. Yesterday was beautiful with you and you enjoyed the springtime weather and overnight you crossed that rainbow bridge. Detective K9 Ralf, you were glorious, majestic and loved far more than you will ever realize. You have brought joy to those young and old. You served your community with the utmost dignity. I am so proud that you were not only my partner but my family.”

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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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