K9 Cayman – Massachusetts State Police

Massachusetts State Police mourn passing of K9 “Cayman”

“It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of retired Massachusetts State Police K9 Cayman. A brave and loyal member of our MSP family who spent his working life protecting the people of our state, Cayman crossed the Rainbow Bridge today. His longtime handler, who wishes to not use his name because he wants today to be only about his boy, wrote the following tribute to his partner. Earlier this beautiful September morning, retired State Police K-9 Cayman died peacefully in my arms. So ended the eventful life of the finest dog I’ll ever know. Cayman represented everything we ever hope for and admire in a police dog, and more. Always, he was faithful, driven and courageous, enjoying many successes.But even beyond that, Cayman was always extraordinarily loving and stable while off-duty and in retirement. Gentle with children and the elderly, always deferential to my female dogs here (his girls), Cayman was a rare, once-in-a-lifetime dog.I’ve truly enjoyed our years together. He lived for me; his eyes never left me. He was so special. He will be in my heart and in my thoughts right up until the moment I too draw my last breath one day.RIP Cayman. Free time. Good job.” -Massachusetts State Police.

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.