K9 Harley – Rolling Meadows, Illinois

Handler – Officer Stephen Whetstone

It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of K9 Harley. He was an active member of the Rolling Meadows Police Department from July 2008 until his early retirement in December of 2012. During that time, he was more than just my partner, but became a member of my family. In retirement he enjoyed chasing his tennis ball and saving us from countless visits from the mailman and anyone that would walk by, drive by or even look toward our house. Over the past several days he developed a spinal issue that prevented him from standing and walking. He will be sorely missed by myself and my family. God speed my friend and I look forward to seeing you on the other side of that Rainbow Bridge. Our deepest condolences to Officer Whetstone and his family. R.I.P. K9 Officer Harley…

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.