K9 Dixie – Morrow County, Ohio

Died – 2/19/19
Handler – Lt. Brian Newsome

Former K-9 officer Dixie passes away

A former Morrow County canine officer has died. “It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the loss of retired K-9 Dixie,” Sheriff John Hinton posted on Facebook Tuesday morning. Dixie was a multi purpose German shepherd who was a member of the Morrow County Sheriff’s Office for 6 years with her handler, Lt. Brian Newsome. Dixie was certified in narcotic detection, apprehension and tracking. She had multiple calls for service each year she was with the Sheriff’s Office. “Dixie retired in 2016 and lived with Lt. Newsome and his family. A special thank you to Dr. Prothman for his assistance and care of Dixie,” Hinton said. The Morrow County Sheriff’s Office held a retirement party, including punch and cookies, for her in November 2017. At that party Newsome praised his partner. “We’ve been together on the road eight hours a day, five days a week. I couldn’t ask for a better dog; she’s very loyal,” he said. “It’s been an honor. Having a partner and just knowing she’s back there.” Within minutes of the social media post, residents replied with an outpouring of affection and sympathy and thanked Dixie for her service.

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.