K9 Ace – Groton Town, Connecticut

Died – 6/6/24
Handler – Officer Shawn Lisee

The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association (CPWDA) is sad to announce the passing of Retired K9 Ace on 6/6/24 at the age of 12 years old who was partnered with Officer Shawn Lisee with the Groton Town Police Department in Connecticut. K9 Ace was euthanized due to failing health. Although this was not a decision Shawn or his family wanted, it was a decision he had to make to honor his best friend and do what was best for him. Officer Lisee and K9 Ace were the 1ST Runner -Up in the prestigious Danial Wasson Memorial K9 Award in 2018. They competed in the 26th annual Connecticut K-9 Olympics and finished tied for 1st in the Criminal Apprehension drill and tactical obedience course in 2017, on their first competition! K9 Ace served from 2016 to 2021 and was certified in Patrol and Narcotics. Officer Shawn Lisee and K9 Ace joined the C.P.W.D.A. on 1/1/17. K9 Ace we will miss you and we thank you for your service to Groton Town, Connecticut. K9 Ace served the Groton Town Police Department and the Citizens of Groton Town with Distinction. He was a valuable asset to the Department and will be missed by all those that had the opportunity to work with him. CPWDA sends our thoughts and prayers to Officer Shawn Lisee, his family, and the entire Groton Town Police Department and friends during this difficult time. Ace crossed Rainbow bridge but will never leave Shawn’s side watching over him while he works. K9 Ace will be missed and remembered as a hero to the men and women behind the badge at the Groton Town Police Department and beyond. Thank you, K9 Ace, for your service, dedication, and loyalty. Rest in peace Ace.

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.