K9 Karma – Ogden, Utah

Ogden Police K9 Karma dies from debilitating health condition

The Ogden Police Department announced on its Facebook page the passing of K9 Karma. The video tribute post stated that Karma died following a months-long battle with a debilitating health condition. The post also said: Karma faithfully served the department for more than 6 years. He loved police work and excelled in every aspect of the position. He was a dedicated partner, friend, and—most importantly—family member. Karma spent his final moments surrounded by those who loved him. We are forever grateful for his dedicated service to our department and city. Rest in Peace, Karma. You will be missed by all. The Ogden Police K-9 Unit consists of four dogs and handlers, according to the department website. Three of the dogs are dual-purpose, which means that they do both narcotic detection and apprehension. One of the dogs is solely a narcotic detection dog. All four of them are Belgian Malinois and were imported from Europe, the site says.

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.