K9 Ego – Placer County, California

Died – 2/11/22

Handler – Deputy Brian Harris 

Placer County K-9 Association mourns death of former officer

The Placer County K-9 Association mourned the death of a former K-9 officer in a Facebook post on Sunday. The K-9 Association, a local non-profit established by the county’s K-9 handlers, announced a dog named Ego died on Friday. Ego was a Belgian Malinois, who was 12 years old and previously retired from K-9 duties, the association said. “We love you Ego. Rest easy good boy, we’ll hold the line,” the Facebook post read. The post also featured photos of Ego including one with an American flag draped over his body after he passed. According to the association, Ego was trained as a patrol and narcotics search dog. The post mentioned that Ego and Placer County Sheriff’s deputy Brian Harris were “inseparable” and their bond was “unlike any other.” The post also included words from Harris, who expressed sadness in the death of his former K-9 companion. He mentioned that Ego “fought” and “bled” for him numerous times while on duty. “I have a huge hole in my chest right now and I miss him so much, it hurts all the time,” Harris said. “He was such a friendly and dynamic partner.” “I love you so much and thank you for being such a great partner,” Harris continued.

 

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.