The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association (CPWDA) is sad to announce the passing of retired K9 Texas at the age of 9 years old on 5/1/24 due to oral cancer who was partnered with Connecticut State Trooper Ed Anuszewski. Back in 2017, while searching for a Danbury resident in the woods on Sugar Hollow Road, Texas slipped away from his handlers and got lost in the woods.For the next two days, hundreds of people and five helicopters searched for Texas. He was found in the Ridgebury section of Ridgefield – cold and tired, but safe.They described Texas as one of the most prolific searchers in the country and the most successful in Connecticut history. K9 Texas was certified in Tracking. Trooper Ed Anuszewski and K9 Texas joined the C.P.W.D.A. on 9/27/17 and became Lifetime Members on 1/31/18. CPWDA sends our thoughts and prayers to Trooper Ed Anuszewski, his family, and the entire Connecticut State Police and friends during this difficult time. K9 Texas we will miss you and we thank you for your service to the Connecticut State Police. K9 Texas served the Connecticut State Police and the Citizens of Connecticut with Distinction and was a valuable asset who will be missed by all those that had the opportunity to work with him. Thank you, K9 Texas, for your service, dedication, and loyalty. Trooper Anuszewski was honored to have had the opportunity to be at the end of your leash. Rest in peace Texas.
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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.