K9 Lyka – Alameda County, California

Died 2/21/16
Handler – Deputy M. Bennett

K9 Lyka euthanized after injury during K9 demonstration

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of K9 Lyka. This afternoon, K9 Lyka and her handler, Deputy M. Bennett, we’re putting on a K9 demonstration for hundreds of people in Fremont on 2/21/16 when K9 Lyka suffered a major injury to her spine. Doctors informed Deputy Bennett that if K9 Lyka were to survive this horrible injury, she would live the rest of her life in pain and discomfort. Deputy Bennett made the very difficult decision to ease K9 Lyka’s pain and put her to rest. Members of the K9 Unit were by Lyka’s side to say their goodbyes and to show support to Deputy Bennett. Deputy Bennett and K9 Lyka have been partners for 6 years. K9 Lyka apprehended 37 suspects during her time as a police service dog. Sheriff’s Deputies knew if K9 Lyka was on scene, she was going to find the bad guy. She put her life on the line everyday to protect fellow Deputies and the citizens she served. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Deputy Bennett and his family.

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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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