K9 Ivan – Essex County, Massachusetts

Died – 2/14/17
Handler – Lieutenant John Pickles

CPWDA is sad to announce that Lieutenant John Pickles of the Essex County Sheriff’s Department announced with great sadness that his K9 work partner, and friend had to be laid to rest yesterday. K9 Ivan became sick with an unknown illness that he could not recover from. Together they had 73 suspect apprehensions, and over 700 narcotic or patrol deployments. They also found multiple weapons including handguns, and narcotic finds. I feel we could have had even more, and I so regret the days I took for granted. Ivan was always ready to work because it was always a game to him. He showed me patience, and practice we could accomplish anything together. Lieutenant Pickles and K9 Ivan were CPWDA members for the past two years. CPWDA members have you in our thoughts and send prayers to you, your family and the Essex County Sheriff’s Department . K9 Ivan we thank you for your service. 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.