K9 Caso – St. Clair County, Illinois

St. Clair Co. Sheriff says goodbye to beloved K9

It was tough day for members of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department Monday as they said their final goodbyes to a beloved member of their team who quickly became part of their family. Members of the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and nearby law enforcement agencies gathered to remember St. Clair County K9 named Caso. The retired 9-year-old dog died from a medical issue. “There’s quite a bond built over 8-12 years, so when this day comes, it’s hard to say goodbye,” said Sgt. Michael Mojzis with O’Fallon, Illinois police. Mojzis spoke on behalf of St. Clair County Deputy Calvin Savage because he was too emotional to talk about the loss of his K9 partner and friend. Mojzis can relate to the pain. He lost his K9 partner in January. “Like Calvin, these dogs come home with us every day. Go to work with us every day and most of us work 12-hours shifts. At the end of shifts, they come with us, spending time with us and spend time with our families,” said Mojzis. Caso served with the St. Clair Sheriff’s Office from 2011-2015, helping to seize thousands of dollars in drug money, taking violent offenders off the street and helping to build community relations. One of the most touching and difficult moments during his funeral was the final radio call, which law enforcement agencies do for all their members.

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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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