K9 DJ – Sunshine Coast, Australia

Died – 6/8/20
Handler – Senior Constable Justyn Mergard

Sunshine Coast Police have been left saddened by the passing of former Police Dog DJ on June 8. PD DJ, whose flowing locks saw him affectionately known as “Wookie”, excelled in his training course to become a general-purpose police dog with the Sunshine Coast Dog Squad in December 2013 at nearly 2-years-old. DJ was Senior Constable Justyn Mergard’s first Police Dog on the Coast after transferring from Townsville, and the pair quickly established a very close bond which was obvious for all to see. Over the next five years, PD DJ successfully located numerous offenders and missing persons throughout his career, cementing his status as a local hero. In 2014, DJ was injured on duty after being attacked by two other dogs during a drug raid, however was able to make a full recovery and return to the job he loved so dearly. Despite still performing his duties to a high standard, PD DJ was retired in 2018 due to arthritic condition and subsequent cancer diagnosis which impacted his breathing. He spent the past couple of years at Justyn’s home living out the remainder of his life in style. The Queensland Police Service extends its condolences to Justyn and his family at this time.

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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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