K9 Tippett – Massachusetts State Police

Died 4/9/21
Handler – Sergeant Gregory Keane

Massachusetts police dog, K9 Tippett, has passed away

The Massachusetts State Police Department announced the passing of K9 Tippett on April 9, following a brief serious illness. Tippet passed surrounded by his beloved family, former handler Sergeant Gregory Keane and family. Tippett became a member of the Massachusetts State Police canine unit in 2009. He was one of the first dual-purpose patrol and firearm detection dogs for the unit. During a career that lasted nearly nine years, he was involved in major cases such as the Boston Marathon bombing, various high profile cases out of Bristol County, a Plymouth County homicide investigation in which he located pertinent evidence, and the discovery of a firearm that was used to injure a police officer. Tippett conducted numerous protective sweeps for dignitaries and searches of schools and judicial buildings. Tippett also located many suspects who fled from local, state, and federal law enforcement partners. Tippett became a regular on the couch, a coffee buddy, a bed hog, a great co-pilot on road trips, and a friendly companion to anyone that visited our house. With a loud bark and wagging tail, he would greet you by dropping his toy at your feet or in your lap. I watched him bond with kids and adults, and even with those who didn’t care for dogs, he could coerce them to throw his toy! I was fortunate that I was able to work with a partner like Tippett. I had thought he gave everything during his working career. I was wrong. He had so much more to give to my family during his three years of retirement. Tippett made tough days better, busy days balanced, and life a little simpler. We are going to miss the 5 a.m. rib kicks letting us know it was time for breakfast. Tippet is deeply mourned by the Keane Family and the Massachusetts State Police.

Tags

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.
| Old Memorials | Site Map
Copyright © 1973 - 2024 Louise Krause Memorials to Fallen K-9's Hosted By PC-GEEK Site Maintained BY Jim Cortina