K9 Ruger – Fairfield, Connecticut

Died – 11/15/22
Handler Officer Kevin Wells

The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association (CPWDA) is sad to announce the passing of retired K9 Ruger on 11/15/22. who was partnered with Officer Kevin Wells with the Fairfield Police Department. Officer Wells and K9 Ruger joined the C.P.W.D.A. on 9/27/11 and were Lifetime Members until K9 Ruger’s passing. Officer Wells and K9 Ruger served from 2011 to 2015. K9 Ruger, a German Shepherd, was retired from active duty following a back injury when he jumped into the police cruiser. K9 Ruger was certified in Patrol & Narcotics and certified in Schutzhund Level 1. K9 Ruger participated in countless searches, drug interdiction operations and community events. CPWDA sends our thoughts and prayers to Officer Kevin Wells, his family, and the entire Fairfield Police Department & friends during this difficult time. K9 Ruger, we thank you for your service. R.I.P.

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.