K9 Billy – Sebring, Florida

Died – 6/16/16
Handler – Deputy Dusty McGee

Sheriff’s K-9 blood hound, Billy, dies

The Highlands County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the death of its K-9 Billy Thursday, a 6-year-old blood hound. Billy and his handler, deputy Dusty McGee, were taking part in a training exercise Thursday when Billy became ill. Paramedics were called and he was taken by ambulance to Sebring Animal Hospital where he passed away. All seven K-9 units were participating in a training exercise in rural Highlands County when the accident occurred. No other K-9s nor their deputy partners, were injured in the exercise. Billy has been credited with locating many missing people and suspects during his 6 years of service, the sheriff’s office said. Lt. Jim McGann, K-9 unit supervisor said, “We are all deeply saddened at the loss of K-9 Billy. We are thankful for everything he was able to accomplish for our citizens during his time with us and our hearts go out to his handler, deputy McGee, and to the other members of the K-9 unit who are all grieving at this unfortunate loss.” Memorial services are pending. More information will be available when arrangements are finalized.

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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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