K9 Hailey – Maryland State Police

Died – 2/3/18
Handler – TFC McInerney

Retired MSP police dog dies after becoming sick

Our thoughts and prayers are with TFC McInerney with the sudden loss of K9 “Hailey” (retired). “As of 1740 hrs 3February2018 MSP K9 Hailey (retired) has passed over the rainbow bridge to run free with all of the K9’s who have preceded her… Unfortunately in the last 48 hours, Hailey’s physical strength diminished and her appetite had left her. After conferring with my command and the Vet it was determined that Hailey was suffering too much… Hailey led a more valuable life than most humans… she tracked everything from missing children with Autism to homicide suspects… She took her final ride today in the cruiser… we stopped for a cheeseburger which was her favorite treat after any confirmed trails or finds that she had!!! RIP K9 Hailey #3357”

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.