K9 Vito – Midlothian, Texas

Died 1/2/25
Handler – Officer Rittimann

Midlothian mourns the loss of beloved K9 officer Vito

It is with heavy hearts that the Midlothian Police Department announces the passing of one of our own. K9 Officer Vito, who faithfully served the citizens of Midlothian for five years, has lost his battle with a series of debilitating health issues. Yesterday Officer Vito rode with his partner, Officer Rittimann, for his final shift. The partners patrolled our community in the morning and then shared a Whataburger – Vito’s first hamburger – for lunch. After lunch, the partners went to Midlothian Veterinary Clinic where they were joined by an assembly of around 50 First Responders from agencies across the Metroplex to salute Officer Vito for his final send off. Midlothian Police Department K9 Officer Vito. End of Watch January 2, 2025. Rest easy, brother… We will take it from here.

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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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