Pair Of New Police Dogs Headed To Troop C

CONNECTICUT — The state police Troop C barracks is getting two new dog teams.

Troop C patrols Tolland County.

On Thursday, the Connecticut State Police K9 Unit announced the graduation of the 250th Patrol K9 Class. The nine members of the class from various agencies completed a rigorous 16-week training program, which encompassed a wide range of skills including locating missing or wanted persons, locating critical evidence, and providing crucial support to law enforcement officers in the course of their duties.

The dog teams will assist in combating criminal activity and protecting citizens in their respective communities.

"The K9 Unit extends its thanks and appreciation to the trainers, handlers, and everyone involved in support of training of these canine teams," state police said. "We wish our canine teams the best of luck as they assume their assignments on patrol."

The graduating canine teams are (from left to right in the accompanying photo):

• Officer Matthew Ferrucci and police dog Dietz, North Haven Police Department
• Correctional Officer Corey Defazio and canine Ace, Connecticut Department of Corrections
• Trooper Stephen Houle and police dog Onyx, State Police Troop L
• Correctional Officer Scott Paxton and canine Atlas, Connecticut Department of Corrections
• Officer Ryan Armstrong and police dog Ghost, Stonington Police Department
• Trooper Matthew Abbate and police dog Zeke, State Police Troop C
• Officer James Tortora and police dog Gamble, West Haven Police Department
• Lt. Jason Masis and canine Max, Connecticut Department of Corrections
• Trooper First Class Kyle Kaelberer and police dog Viper, State Police Troop C