K9 Nero – Brielle, NJ

Died 2/3/25
Handler – Officer Brett Barilari

The Brielle Police Department announced the sudden death of Police K-9 Nero, who served the department and community for six years.According to Chief Gary J. Olsen, K-9 Nero served with distinction alongside his handler, Sgt. Brett Barilari, since joining the department in January 2019.Chief Olsen told The Coast Star, “Today is a truly sad day for the Brielle Police Department. Having been a former K-9 handler myself, I understand the deep bond that develops between an officer and their canine partner. This is not just the loss of a partner; it is the loss of a family member. K-9 Nero was an invaluable member of our department, and his dedication and service to our community will always be honored and remembered. He will be sorely missed. Our deepest condolences go out to Sergeant Barilari and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”The department said in a Facebook post, “Nero was more than just a working dog; he was a loyal partner, protector, and an irreplaceable member of our law enforcement family.”According to the department, throughout his dedicated service, Nero played a vital role in ensuring the safety of officers and the public.

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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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