K9 Larz – Cottage Grove, Wisconsin

Died 12/6/24
Handler – Sergeant Koratko

Cottage Grove Police Department remembers beloved retired K-9

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of retired K9 Larz. K9 Larz passed away at the age of 13 with his handler, Sergeant Anthony Koratko and his family, by his side on Friday December 6, 2024.K9 Larz joined the Cottage Grove Police Department in 2013. He was the department’s first canine. K9 Larz and Sergeant Koratko built our K9 program from the ground up, setting the foundation for the successful program we have today. K9 Larz was a dual-purpose canine, trained in narcotic detection and patrol work (tracking, evidence location and suspect apprehension). During his career with Sergeant Koratko, the team made countless arrests, conducted building searches, tracks and high-risk apprehensions. K9 Larz officially retired in December of 2022.As much as K9 Larz was driven to work, one of his favorite parts of the job was attending community events, including visiting schools and giving demonstrations. K9 Larz also loved playing with his co-workers and never missed the chance to be pet or play ball. K9 Larz gave 9 dedicated years of service to the citizens of Cottage Grove and was a beloved member of this department. Our thoughts are with Sergeant Koratko and his family during this difficult time.Rest in Peace K9 Larz. We will miss you!

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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.
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