K9 Hank – Miami County, Ohio

Died – 6/3/20
Handler – Deputy Fraley

K9 Hank served the citizens of Miami County, OH for 10 years. “During his time of service he assisted in a search where he found the body of a homicide victim in less than 3 minutes. End result was closure for the family and a conviction in court. Hank also assisted in a search for a missing local man. He found the man in less than 6 minutes out in the woods by a creek, deceased. He brought closure to that family as well! He was always willing to work anytime I pulled in and told him it was time to “gear up”! Today was the last time he got to “gear up” and I know he was happy when I put the harness on.

From his partner:
Today was my last day with my best friend so we made the best of it. We went to the drive thru and he got his favorite slim Jim’s. After that snack he decided he needed a cold frosty from Wendy’s. Since we were there he also got some chicken nuggets and a cheeseburger.
He then went to work with mom for the last time. He greeted the citizens at the door and just laid around looking handsome. We then went out back and he cooled off in the pool. I brushed him out and finished trimming his nails. We talked ALOT and I cried ALOT!! He as always tried to comfort me and kiss my tears away. Then walked a little while until he got tired.
There is large hole in my heart that nothing and nobody can fill. I will see you again soon my old friend! You are in no more pain and free to play with Lucy! I love you Hank!!!! R.I.P”

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.