K9 Earl – MWD – Marines

Died – 9/7/22
Handler – Brad O’Keefe

Earl the military bomb-sniffing dog laid to rest in Palmyra

Earl was a bomb-sniffing dog who helped find enemy explosive devices in Afghanistan, protecting our troops. The 15-year-old Labrador had a final procession down Route 31 in the Village of Palmyra Wednesday, before being put to rest. Earl was alongside his Marine Corps owner Brad O’Keefe overseas before the two were reunited 9 years ago. The dog survived several IED explosions in Afghanistan and later helped Brad with that all-important transition from active duty to civilian life. Their bond was extremely strong: the bond between Marine and man’s best friend. Brad’s wife, Kara, says having Earl in the house allowed Brad to move forward in life, sensing his anxiety and sadness– serving as a sort of therapeutic presence. “He did two tours in Afghanistan,” she said. This little pooch survived several IED explosions and save so many lives, including Brad’s, and then he served in the Rhode Island State Police Department, and has been with us ever since.” “He’s always just been real easy going,” Brad said. “No matter what’s going on I know I can count on him to be there.”Samantha Wilson with the Wayne County Veteran Service Agency helped Brad after service. She spoke on the importance of dogs downrange. “As a veteran myself, we can’t complete the mission without those added resources like Earl,” said Wilson.Brad says even with years in the Corps under his belt, Wednesday was one of his toughest days. “It was always nice being able to come home and just know that my buddy who had my back in Afghanistan is still here with me,” he said.Earl was put to rest just after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at home in Brad’s arms.

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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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