Date:
February 2, 2017
Re:
New Darien Police K-9 Units Placed In Service
Issued by:
Det. Sgt. Jeremiah P.
Marron Jr.
Ofc. Silva and K-9 “Grizzly” Ofc. Hinkley
and K-9 “Argo”
Photos courtesy of Ofc. J. Loomer Westport PD
For Immediate Release
The Darien Police Department is
pleased to announce that two new K-9 Teams have been placed into service this
past month. Ofc. Leslie Silva, a two
year veteran of the department, has been partnered with K-9 “Grizzly,” a 3 year
old chocolate lab. Ofc. Amanda Hinkley,
also a two year veteran, has been partnered with K-9 “Argo,” a 1 year old
German Shepherd. Both teams have successfully
completed extensive obedience and narcotics detection training over the past
several months.
These two officers were chosen by
the Darien Police Department administration as K-9 handlers based on
supervisory recommendations, work performance, and having met the criteria of
those who can responsibly care for and manage a police canine 24 hours a day,
both on and off duty. “Grizzly” was
selected as a K-9 with incredible drive and a keen ability to detect narcotics
in a variety of environments. K-9 “Argo”
was selected based on his ability to detect narcotics, his exceptional courage,
physical strength, and agility. Although
already certified in narcotics detection, “Argo” and Ofc. Hinkley will continue
training in tracking, building searches, handler protection and
apprehensions. Both K-9s were purchased
from and trained by Superior K-9 Services of New Milford, CT.
These two new K-9 Teams will succeed the former team of Ofc. Nicholas
Aranzullo and K-9 “Zulu” who was the first K-9 team in the department’s
history. K-9 “Zulu,” at 9 years old, was
taken out of service and retired in December of 2016 after an accomplished and
decorated career. Ofc. Aranzullo has
since been assigned to the Detective Division.
The Darien Police Department is
hoping to enhance the level of service and protection that it provides to the
citizens of Darien by continuing and expanding upon our K-9 Program. The
unfortunate narcotic abuse epidemic that has unfolded in our area as well as
numerous other parts of the country has demanded that we better equip ourselves
to not only combat the problem but to protect our community.
These two teams will be a full-time
addition to the department’s patrol force.
They will respond to everyday patrol calls along with emergencies and
critical incidents. The K-9’s special
abilities include:
§
Narcotic Detection
§
Locating Missing Children
§
Evidence Recovery
§
Building Searches
§
Presence as a Crime
Deterrent
§
Criminal Apprehension
§
Public
Relations
The
Darien Police Department is committed to providing the highest quality police
services to the community. With these
two newly established K-9 Teams we reinforce our commitment to public safety while
maintaining Darien’s reputation as an attractive, safe, and thriving community.
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