K9 Reno – MTA, New York

It is with deep regret that I announce the passing of Canine “Reno”, who was the devoted and loyal partner of Police Officer Daniel McDade of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Police Department. “Reno” was declining in his health the last couple of months and was having difficulties getting around. Dan and his family had to make the difficult decision that many of us have had to make and decided to end his suffering on Thursday afternoon November 15, 2018 at Long Island Veterinary Specialist. Named in Honor of Pfc. Luis Moreno “Reno” of the United States Army. Pfc. Moreno was shot on January 23, 2004 while he was guarding a gas station in Baghdad, Iraq. Pfc. Moreno was assigned to Battery A, 4th Battalion, 1st Field Artillery, Fort Riley, Kansas. He died on January 29, 2004 from his injuries. Officer Daniel McDade and “Reno” attended Explosive Detection Canine Training (EDC) from October 2, 2006 to December 22, 2006 at the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. As a team they held certifications as an EDC from NYS DCJS, ATF NORT, NAPWDA and CPWDA. Canine Reno was also trained in tracking and evidence/article recovery. “Reno” enjoyed an active and vigorous police career. As a Canine Team assigned to patrol the 14 counties of the MTA System, Police Officer McDade and “Reno” had been charged with protecting many high level federal, state and local dignitaries and frequently assisted many local agencies in finding fugitives. “Reno” was 13 1/2 years old when he passed.

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.