K9 Blitz – Oakland County, Michigan

Handler – Deputy Mike Richardson

RIP K-9 Blitz

For seven years, K-9 Blitz served the community, fighting crime alongside Oakland County Sheriff’s deputies and other law enforcement groups. He sniffed out illegal drugs, chased down fleeing criminals and — what may be considered the highlight of his career — located an Alzheimer’s patient who had been missing for several hours. For that, he received a lifesaving citation from Sheriff Mike Bouchard. On Feb. 19, the 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd died, about eight months after being retired due to illness. “I’m going to miss him dearly, for sure,” said Deputy/Master Trainer Mike Richardson, who had Blitz since he was a puppy brought over from the Netherlands for police duty. Those who knew and loved the loyal, hard working dog have been sharing thoughts and condolences since hearing of his death. RIP K9 Deputy Blitz. Thank you for your years of selfless service. You will never be forgotten! Our thoughts and prayers are with your human family. Run free big boy run free.

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.