Torrington(litchfield),CT Has New K-9 Unit

[Ladder44 73]

TORRINGTON -- The city’s newest addition to its police force, K-9 officer Brodie, graduated Thursday from the Connecticut State Police Training Facility in Meriden.

Brodie, a 2-year-old German shepherd, is replacing the former K-9 officer, Jezy, which died in early May due to complications during back surgery. With his instatement, Bro-die will be the sixth dog Torrington has used in its police department. Off-icer Justin Deloy, a member of the Torrington Police Department since 1999, will be the dog’s handler.

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"He’s not one of those in-your-face, barking, real aggressive, bouncing-all-over-the-car, crazy, kind-of-nut dogs; he’s well-rounded, he’s a good fit at home, he’s there when you need him to be," Deloy said.

Despite Brodie’s easy-going nature, when called upon to perform his duties, he is nothing but business, Deloy said.

Deloy, with whom Brodie will be living, has always had an interest in working with a K-9 officer.

"I’ve always had dogs growing up and I always had an interest in them," Deloy said.

Deloy had considered a job with the state police or a position with a larger department because he didn’t think becoming a K-9 handler in Torrington was a possibility. Thu-rsday he will report for duty and take to the streets with his new partner.

"(Deloy) has a specially outfitted car which allows the dog more comfort in the back and the ability to have water," Torrington Police Chief Robert Milano said.

Deloy will do routine general patrol and will answer any typical call for service that a regular officer would, Milano said. In addition, he will be able to assist in investigations with Brodie’s ability to track suspects or missing persons by scent, he said.

Brodie, who was among 13 other German shepherds to graduate in Meriden Thursday, had to pass a rigorous training program making him certified in tracking, handler protection, evidence recovery, building searches, obedience, classroom education and the legal aspects of law enforcement. Deloy trained with Brodie during the entire 14-week program.

"They do building searches in various areas throughout the state," former dog handler and State Trooper Donna Tadiello said. "There are many businesses throughout our state that are kind enough to donate their facilities so that we can conduct training in different environments."

Abandoned buildings, schools and commercial buildings are also used, she said.

German shepherds are considered ideal for law enforcement work because of their long snouts and large olfactory chambers which allow them to better track scents, Tadiello said. The breed is also very intelligent, loyal and naturally suspicious of people. It’s fur allows it to operate in many different climates, she added.

Police dogs usually see an average of five to eight years of on-duty service, depending on their physical condition, Tadiello said.

Edited December 30, 2005 by Rytoast391