K9 Britta – Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Died – 10/29/24
Handler – Corporal Scott Frazer

‘Thank you for your service’, Pigeon Forge police mourn passing of K-9 Brita

Officials with the Pigeon Forge Police Department announced the death of K-9 Brita.She worked with her handler Corporal Scott Frazer for the past three years. She lost her battle to cancer on Tuesday.“As we lay K9 Brita to rest, let us remember the countless lives she touched–with her big bark, some with her big bite but most with her big heart,“ officials said. ”She will forever hold a special place in our hearts and in the history of our department. ”Back in 2022, K-9 Brita and Frazer were named Employee of the Second and Third quarters after recovering two stolen cars in two days as well as making drug arrests. During her time with the department, she also took part in the Police Education Series showcasing what they do to students.“Rest easy, K9 Brita,” officials said. “Thank you for your service. You will be deeply missed.”

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.