K9 Gera – Covington, Virginia

Died – 5/28/22

Covington Police mourn loss of beloved and dutiful K9 Gera

On Saturday, the Covington Police Department said goodbye to a special, four-legged law enforcement officer — K9 Officer Gera. According to officials, the department’s “beloved and dutiful German Shepherd” got sick last weekend and was brought to an animal hospital in Roanoke, where she underwent emergency surgery to correct the issue. However, after being cleared to go home on Wednesday, May 25, Gera experienced a post-operative complication, which forced her to return to the hospital on Friday, May 27 for further evaluation and treatment. Then, on Saturday, May 28, police say Gera suffered another setback and — after consulting with several doctors at several different facilities — they realized she was not going to be able to recover and maintain a suitable quality of life. Following discussions with everyone involved, a decision was made to end Gera’s suffering and let her be at peace. After 6 years of remarkable service, Gera was sent to K-9 Officer Heaven today, May 28, 2022, with her partner, 1SG Smallwood by her side. The Covington Police Department wants to thank Gera for her years of tireless service to the Covington Police Department, the City of Covington and the Alleghany-Highlands. Gera was not only a Patrol dog, she was a Police Officer who served her community well and she interacted with so many at community events — making a lasting impression. Thank you Ms. Gera, may you rest in peace.

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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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