K9 Griz – Hazleton, Pennsylvania

Died – 7/2/16
Handler – Corporal Kirk Wetzel

Beloved Hazleton Police Dog Passes Away

The Hazleton Police Department announced that their legendary German Shepherd K-9 “Griz” has died at the age of 11. According to Hazleton Police, Griz died on Friday from an infection that created medical complications. Griz was cross trained in Patrol and Narcotics Detection. He was assigned to the Patrol Division and assigned to Cororal Kirk Wetzel. He had been with the agency since November 2005 . “Griz was an outstanding partner and companion; his absence will be a tremendous void” Wetzel says. The department has a plaque being made to honor his service at a ceremony, which is being planned where his badge and identification will be retired.

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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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