Although 'Night Passage' (2006) is the second of the Jesse Stone films, after 'Stone Cold' (2005), it is actually the prequel to 'Stone Cold' so can be watched first. This makes more sense plot-wise.
"The Caine Mutiny" is playing in Jesse Stone's motel room the night becoming Paradise police chief. It forewarns hardships which face the war-weary police veteran in command of a small, insignificant town caught up in corruption and intrigue.
In this film, Jesse explains to Officer Luther Simpson why he calls him "Suitcase." He said he calls him that after Harry "Suitcase" Simpson, a baseball player who "traveled a lot." Luther replies, "But I've lived here all my life." And Jesse says, "I don't know. It just seemed to fit." (And of course, the officer and ball player share a last name.)
Saul Rubineck guest starred in an episode of the series Blue Bloods in which Tom Selleck stars as main character Police Commissioner Frank Reagan.
No respectable veterinarian would recommend a dog be put to sleep after looking an x-ray. It is however likely the doctor might recommend a special diet and/or medications for renal disease.