K9 Rita – MWD – U.S. Air Force

Died 7/13/20

It is with a very heavy heart I report our beloved girl MWD Rita, M529, PEDD has crossed over the rainbow bridge. She served her country in the US Air Force performing Patrol and Explosive Detection duties for 8 years before retiring due to Lumbar Sacral Disease. She has lived with us for the last 5 years watching over our family; especially “her boy” Kolton and granny (Jennie Howey) this last year. Her personality was one-of-a-kind always showing love to those she trusted. We will miss her greatly but we know she will be waiting for us to cross the bridge with her someday. We love you baby girl!

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.