K9 Riggs – Penn Hills, Pennsylvania

Died 5/2/19
Handler – Officer Ryan Walters

Penn Hills Police K-9 Dies

It is with a tremendous amount of sadness that the Penn Hills Police Department announces the passing of police Canine Riggs. Riggs was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer that was incurable. His partner and lifelong friend, Officer Ryan Walters, made the decision to end his suffering, and he was gently put to sleep yesterday afternoon. Riggs was twelve years old and served the community with Officer Walters since 2009. He was a Dutch Shepherd and came to us all the way from Holland. Riggs loved coming to work and riding around with his partner to fight crime every day. We are grateful for all the years he spent with us at the PHPD and will miss his energetic personality. Rest in peace Riggs. Thank you for all the wonderful years you gave us!

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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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