K9 Leo – Passaic County, New Jersey

Died 3/27/19
Handler – Detective Biondo

Passaic County Sheriff’s Office Mourning Loss of K9 Leo

The Passaic County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of one of their own after the passing of K9 Leo on Wednesday. According to a statement issued by Sheriff Richard Berdnik, K9 Leo began his service in 2013 and specialized in patrol and narcotics until his on duty death. “During his long career with the sheriff’s department, K9 Leo had numerous apprehensions and large drug seizures protecting the residents of Passaic County,” Berdnik said. In July 2018, the statement continued, K9 Leo graduated a second K-9 academy, continuing his record of success on the streets. In addition to his service K9 Leo and his partner Detective Biondo were the 2018 United States Police Canine Association National Detector Dog Trial Team Champions. “Today’s sudden death of k-9 Leo is a huge loss to not only the Passaic County Sheriff’s Office but to all the residents of Passaic County,” Berdnik added. “K-9 Leo will truly be missed.” An April 3 inspector’s funeral is being planned.

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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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