K9 Raider – Scottsdale, Arizona

Died – 1/21/20
Handler – , Officer Tony Sanborn

K9 Raider became a part of our family in 2010 as Tony’s first partner. He had an incredibly productive two years protecting the citizens of Scottsdale and Tony. He survived being shot while apprehending a suspect in 2012. His story of survival still baffles veterinarians. Against all odds K9 Raider returned to work 2 months after being shot; only having to retire that June. The injury he sustained during the incident made him incapable of staying cool. Although he wanted to go to work with Tony everyday, he proudly took on the role of family protector while Tony was away working nights. He is the standard to which all our other dogs have and will be measured. He was as loyal and dedicated as any dog could be. We love and miss you already K9 Raider.

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.