K9 Sultan – Albemarle County, Virginia

Died 12/30/21

Handler – Officer Ryan Sheridan 

Albemarle County Police Department mourns loss of K-9, Sultan

The Albemarle Police Department announced Thursday the passing of K9 Sultan due to unforeseen medical concerns and terminal complications. With his deteriorating health, the department, along with the medical advice from a veterinarian and canine specialist, believed it was best to retire K9 Sultan and have him put to rest prior to the continued worsening of his quality of life. K9 Sultan was assigned to Officer Ryan Sheridan in 2017. Together, they have accomplished extraordinary things in their career to include: seven apprehensions, successful tracks of violent suspects, and one of the largest marijuana seizures in Albemarle County, grossing a total of over $300,000 in street value. The Albemarle County Police Department commends both K9 Sultan and Officer Sheridan, for their work ethic, sacrifices, and upholding the core values of the organization.

 

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.