K9 Hulk – Colorado Springs, Colorado

Died 2/21/25
Handler – Officer Weise

Police Department mourns loss of beloved retired K9, Hulk

On Saturday, the Colorado Springs Police Department announced with “heavy hearts” the passing of retired K9 Hulk, who died on Feb. 21.Hulk was a 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd and a “dual purpose” working dog, who was certified in apprehension and narcotics detection. The department said he worked alongside his handler, Officer Weise, for three years, from January 2020 to January 2023.On Feb. 21, Hulk passed away peacefully, CSPD said, after fighting a brief illness. Officer Weise was by his side.”Thank you for your incredible service Hulk. You will never be forgotten!” a CSPD Facebook post memorializing Hulk read in part.

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.