K9 Gunner – Independence, Missouri

Handler – Officer Schnetzer

K-9 Gunner with Independence Police Department passes away

The Independence Police Department announced the loss of one of their beloved officers, K-9 Gunner, who passed away at 10 years old this week.Gunner began his career in 2015 with IPD and retired in 2023 after responding to 576 calls and 30 to surrounding agencies throughout his eight years of service.His highlights include 78 narcotic-related finds, 51 building searches, five article finds including a weapon in a homicide, seven S.W.A.T assists and 36 demonstrations to the public.IPD described Gunner as ‘fiercely protective’ of his family, whom he loved just as strongly. His family said they will always remember him, especially for his loyalty and companionship.“On the job, he always had his dad’s back,” IPD said. “At home he enjoyed walks with his mom. To say that he will be missed is an understatement.”“Thank you for your service, Gunner.”

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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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