Final Salute: Cortland Police Retire Canine Max After Terminal Diagnosis

The City of Cortland Police Department held a walk-out ceremony in honor of Police Canine Max, who was officially retired following a recent terminal health diagnosis, according to Cortland Police Chief David Guerrera.

Police departments from across Cortland, Broome, and Tompkins counties lined the department’s parking lot to offer a final salute to Max and his handler, Officer Perkins. Chief Guerrera said the turnout was deeply meaningful to both the department and those closest to Max.

“It just says a lot — that people care about the canine program itself and about the police department,” Guerrera told X101 News. “But it’s a loss for the city. Obviously, it’s sudden. We just found out last week that Max has a terminal form of cancer. We thought it was important to retire him prior to his passing and give him some time at home.”

Max will spend the remainder of his life with Officer Perkins, Guerrera added. The canine has served with the Cortland Police Department since his certification on September 19, 2023.

The City of Cortland Police Department’s Canine Program relies entirely on donations from residents, businesses, and organizations, as it is not funded through the city budget.

“We are hoping to fill this position as soon as we can,” Guerrera said. “It is a goal of mine someday to have a third canine and one on each shift so we have coverage around the clock.”

Chief Guerrera noted that the loss of Canine Max affects more than just the City of Cortland. Cortland County previously had four canines trained for drug detection and apprehension. With Max’s retirement, the city will now have one canine, while the Sheriff’s Office maintains two.