K9 Kliff – East Greenwich, New Jersey

Died 12/10/15
Handler – Sgt. Matthew Brenner

The East Greenwich Township Police Department announces the passing of K-9 Officer “Kliff.” Kliff passed away peacefully with his partner Sgt. Matthew Brenner by his side. Kliff served the residents of East Greenwich Township faithfully for 7 years, starting his career March of 2004, and retiring in July of 2011. Kliff was respected not only in East Greenwich but also throughout Gloucester County for his tenacity and work ethic. During his career, Kliff took out numerous drugs and weapons, found missing persons, and assisted in the apprehension of criminals making the streets of East Greenwich and the surrounding communities safer for residents. He was popular at Township events especially with the children and, along with Sgt. Brenner, represented the police department with the utmost respect and adoration.

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.