K9 Mach – Hancock, Iowa

Hancock County Sheriff’s Office announces death of retired K9 Mach

The Hancock County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of retired Hancock County K9 Mach on June 9. Sheriff Rob Gerdes said Mach was severely struggling with previously announced medical issues that led to his retirement.“We would like to thank Mach for his loyal service,” he said.Mach had developed a cyst on his neck that caused nerve issues. The dog had difficulty holding his head “high and proper” on some days near the end of his career that lasted the better part of a decade. The growth on his vestibulocochlear nerve affected his balance, caused his head to tilt, and made him nauseous at time. It was treated with medication, but cut his service life short. For nearly a decade, Mach took many pounds of illegal drugs off the streets, helped locate missing persons and fleeing criminals, and proved himself a valuable asset to the department. He continued to work despite his recent health challenges and helped make Hancock County a safer place for everyone. The county’s first female K9, Hola, took over Mach’s K9 duties last fall.

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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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