K9 Achilles – States, United Kingdom

Handler – PC Richard Vinen

Retired police dog remembered

Officers have paid tribute to a “wonderful” police dog who died last week after retiring following a six-year career with the States police.Originally a rescue from Battersea Dogs Home, PD Achilles, a German shepherd, served in the force from 2012 to 2018, when he retired and moved to the UK with his handler, PC Richard Vinen, who continued to work for another police unit.Over the course of his service, Achilles helped to catch numerous criminals, including a man carrying a knife in town in October 2015.Police dogs typically retire after seven years spent working, when they can be rehomed or stay with their handler.The States police have extended their condolences to PC Vinen and the rest of Achilles’ family.They wrote on social media: “Sad news today after hearing that retired Police Dog Achilles has passed away. He had enjoyed his retirement after moving to the UK with his handler several years ago.“He was a great asset to SoJP and a wonderful dog who we’ll all miss.”Comments on social media praised a “gorgeous boy” who was a “superb colleague” and well-loved by his owner and family.One user wrote: “Woof woof woof woof woof (thank you for your service) woof woof (RIP).”

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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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