K9 Luke – Berlin, Maryland

Handler – Corporal Bireley

Berlin Police Department announces death of retired police K-9 Luke: A look at his career

The Berlin Police Department has announced the recent passing of retired K-9 Luke. The police dog, who had a fruitful career, faithfully served the small town of Berlin, Maryland, and surrounding communities from 2012-2023. K-9 Luke was the partner of Retired Corporal Bireley.Throughout his career, K-9 Luke completed countless building searches, high-risk vehicle stops and fleeing suspect tracks. He was also responsible for many drug seizures that resulted in distribution charges, as well as gun and U.S. Currency seizures from drug proceeds, the police department said in a June 11 Facebook post. According to the police department, K-9 Luke was more than just an officer and partner. He was also a beloved member of the Bireley family, and close friend to Retired Corporal Bireley.”K9 Luke, we thank you for your dedication, service, and always being there to protect us. We will be forever grateful to this amazing team for protecting the community,” the police department said. “We ask that the community please keep Retired Corporal Bireley and his family in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

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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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