K9 Diesel – Hiram, Georgia

Died – 10/24/17
Handler – Sergeant Keith Bowels

Police department mourns death of beloved K-9

The Hiram Police Department is mourning the death of one of its canine cops. K-9 Diesel passed away today at the age of 10. He began working with the department in 2009 and served until 2013. He retired along with his handler, Sergeant Keith Bowels. “Although K-9 Diesel had been retired for over four years, he was beloved by many at the city of Hiram,” the Hiram Police Department said in a statement. Diesel was trained in narcotics detection and was responsible for a number of felony narcotics seizures. “K-9 Diesel will be remembered for his relentless drive and his unwavering desire to find narcotics, and the love and praise of his handler,” the department said. The department is asking for thoughts and prayers for the law enforcement K-9 community during this difficult 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.