K9 Maximus – Culvert, Maryland

Died 12/17/24
Handler – Sgt. Shrawder

‘Rest easy, our protector’: Calvert County Sheriff’s Office mourning K-9’s passing

The Calvert County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is mourning the loss of one of its police dogs.K-9 Maximus served on the force from 2015 to 2021 as a CDS Detection Dog before retiring.“Maximus, a dedicated Belgian Malinois, faithfully protected our citizens, community, and deputies with unwavering courage and without hesitation,” the sheriff’s office shared in a news release.He spent his final moments with his handler and his “loving family.”“A testament to the deep bond shared between a K9 and his handler—one that is truly inseparable,” CCSO stated.CCSO said Maximus’ service and sacrifice will always be remembered.“Rest easy, our protector. We will hold the line from here in your honor,” CCSO stated. “K9 Maximus, End of Watch 12-17-24. You will never be forgotten.”

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.