K9 Tonka – Waterford, Connecticut

Died – 6/13/24
Handler – Lieutenant Patrick Flanagan

The Connecticut Police Work Dog Association (CPWDA) is sad to announce the passing of K9 Tonka at the age of 10 years old on 6/13/24 who was partnered with Lieutenant Patrick Flanagan with the Waterford Police Department in Connecticut. Lieutenant Flanagan made the agonizing decision to have K9 Tonka euthanized which no one wants to make. K9 Tonka was euthanized due to failing health and was thought to be cancer. K9 Ace served from 2015 to 2021 and was certified in Patrol and Narcotics. Lieutenant Patrick Flanagan and K9 Tonka joined the C.P.W.D.A. on 5/2/15. K9 Tonka we will miss you and we thank you for your service to Waterford, Connecticut. The passing of K9 Tonka will be a great loss for Waterford, but even greater loss for Lieutenant Flanagan. K-9 Tonka is running over the rainbow bridge to join his friends that passed before him. We know that the Rainbow Bridge is now well protected! CPWDA sends our thoughts and prayers to Lieutenant Patrick Flanagan, his family, and the entire Waterford Police Department and friends during this difficult time. Thank you, K9 Tonka, for your service, dedication, and loyalty. Rest in peace Tonka.

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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.
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