K9 Kimba – Belfast, Ireland

Died – 12/3/16

Police heartache as loyal canine Kimba dies

The police have paid tribute to a beloved pooch who has passed away after serving the force loyally. Kimba was praised for “fearlessly serving in the frontline of policing with the PSNI until she retired 3 years ago at the age of 7”. “She detained many criminals in her time, helped find missing people, including children, located evidence leading to prosecutions and all to often faced down aggressive criminals intent on doing harm, this was done without question or hesitation. “She was always the sword at the side of her handler, always faithful and true. She died at home today unexpectedly, and will be sorely missed. Thank you Police Dog Kimba, you have permission to stand down, your watch is over.” Dog lovers paid their respects on Facebook, with one posting: “Run free Kimba. Thoughts with your family. Stand down girl.” Another wrote: “Rest in peace Kimba your duty is over.”

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.