K9 Carlos – SEAL MWD

Died 10/8/20

Our sincerest condolences former SEAL Mike Mike, who was MPC Carlos’ handler and owner after he retired. Mike had to say goodbye to Carlos today, after 15 amazing years of blessing this earth with his presence. I feel very honored to have had the pleasure of working that beast, as he was a K9 that was at the program when I was there as a trainer. He was one hell of a dog. He is draped in the flag that Mike carried with him on every operation with him, and still possessed Afghan dust as he unfolded it on him. He gave him his favorite last meal of steak before crossing the rainbow bridge, and our hearts are now much heavier having to say goodbye. Fair winds and following seas C-man, we have the watch from here buddy.

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.