K9 Enzo – Sebastian, Arkansas

Died 8/17/24
Handler – Corporal Decker

Sebastian Co. K9 Enzo passes after 11-year career

Enzo, a former K9 officer for the Sebastian County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 17 after an 11 year-long-career. Born on April 3, 2009, Enzo began his career with Corporal Decker in April 2011, according to a Facebook post by SCSO. Throughout his career, he was recognized in several magazines and catalogs for his work. After over a decade of service, Enzo retired with Corporal Decker in 2022 and spent his remaining days “surrounded by trees, birds and butterflies.” “We love and will miss you,” SCSO said in the post. “and we are eternally grateful for your many years of loyal and dedicated 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.