K9 Brock – St. Mary’s County, Maryland

Died – 1/19/18
Handler – Corporal William Rishel

St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Department announced death of K-9 falling through metal staircase

It is with great sadness the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office announces the death of Sheriff K-9 Brock. On January 18, 2018, K-9 Brock was serving alongside his partner and handler Corporal William Rishel, on a training exercise with police recruits at the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy. During the training, K-9 Brock and Cpl. Rishel were traversing a metal staircase when K-9 Brock’s foot/leg slipped through an open grate. As a result, his leg was severely injured. K-9 Brock was immediately transported to a veterinarian hospital for evaluation and treatment.
After evaluation and consultation with veterinarian staff, K-9 supervision, and the handler, it was determined no option provided K-9 Brock the quality of life this hardworking, noble animal deserved; as a result, K-9 Brock was humanely euthanized. Sheriff K-9 Brock was a four year old German Shepherd certified and cross-trained in Patrol functions as well as Narcotics Detection. K-9 Brock faithfully served the citizens of St. Mary’s County for three years, and resided with his partner Cpl. Rishel for the duration of his time with the Sheriff’s Office. During K-9 Brock’s time on the force, he provided direct support to the Patrol Division, participated in many K-9 demonstrations, and accompanied his partner to schools in St. Mary’s County to assist with career day and educational programs. Sheriff K-9. Brock was a beloved member of the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office and our thoughts and prayers are with the members of the K-9 Unit and the Rishel family at this time.

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.