K9 Blitz – South Plainfield, New Jersey

Died – 9/15/21

Handler – Sgt. Mark Bullock 

South Plainfield Police Announce Passing of Retired K9 Officer Blitz

The South Plainfield Police Department last week announced the passing of retired K9 Officer Blitz. Blitz, who served alongside Sgt. Mark Bullock for the duration of his career, passed away at home on Sept. 15. Blitz joined the department and Bullock’s family as a puppy in 2012 and, together, the two officers completed one-year of mandatory scent, apprehension and pursuit training, graduating in May 2013.  He spent seven years patrolling the streets of South Plainfield, retiring in 2019 and remaining a member of Bullock’s family until the time of his passing. “The department, the residents as well as the mayor and council were outstanding to us and a major reason that the K9 program in South Plainfield has been so successful and will continue to be,” Bullock told TAPinto South Plainfield. One of the highlights of Blitz’ career occurred in April 2013, a month prior to completing his training. At that time, Bullock and Blitz were called to assist the Andover Police in the search of a home for illegal drugs. Blitz was able to help find marijuana, pills, and other drug paraphernalia.  “Blitz worked like a seasoned pro despite not even being out of the K9 academy,” stated Chief James Parker in a 2013 article. Bullock describes Blitz as having been ‘brave and loyal with an amazing heart.’ “I was truly fortunate to have been chosen to be a K9 Officer and even more so to have had the privilege to have Blitz as my partner,” Bullock said. “While it may seem strange to some, I became a better officer, father, and even man in general for having had him in my life.”

 

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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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