K9 Walter – Orange, New York

Handler – Sgt. Justin Worden

Fallen K9 Remembered,Leaves Legacy of Service And Love

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of K9 Walter, a dedicated four-legged officer who died at age 9 after a career of distinguished service. The death of Walter, a Shepherd-Border Collie mix, was announced by the Sheriff’s Office on Monday, March 17. In their announcement, authorities said Walter began his journey in law enforcement after being rescued from a shelter, “proving that even the most humble beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements.” Paired with Sgt. Justin Worden, Walter worked tirelessly from March 2017 until his retirement in March 2024, forming an unbreakable bond with his handler and touching countless lives along the way.Walter played a crucial role in fire investigations throughout the county, helping authorities determine the causes of suspicious fires. His service was made possible through the guidance and partnership of Deputy Commissioner Vini Tankasali and members of Orange County Fire Services, who helped establish the county’s first Arson K9 unit. “Our deepest condolences go out to Sgt. Worden and the entire Worden family during this difficult time. Walter was more than a partner; he was family, a loyal companion whose impact will be felt forever,” the Sheriff’s Office said on Monday.

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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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