New Milford Police Department K9 Unit
The New Milford Police Department K9 unit offers a wide range of services depending on the needs of the department and citizens they serve. The dogs serve as a valuable tool in combating and deterring crime. Often times the mere presence of a dog can lead to a peaceful resolution or deterrence of a potential crime. The K9 Unit serves as a resource for both the NMPD Patrol and Detective divisions. The dogs are on call and available to respond twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.
The K9 Unit is currently staffed by:
K-9 Officer Lafond paired with his partner “K-9 Kira” a dual purpose patrol and narcotics detection German Shepherd Dog
K-9 Officer Williams paired with his partner “K-9 Drake” a dual purpose patrol and narcotics detection German Shepherd Dog
K-9 Officer Shaw paired with his partner “K-9 Mattis” a single purpose narcotics detection Labrador
The K9 Unit’s capabilities include: building searches, evidence recovery, tracking for lost or missing persons, tracking and apprehension of suspects, as well as drug interdiction. The K9s are certified in narcotics detection and can offer that service both road side during motor vehicle stops and while assisting with the execution of search warrants.
In addition to backing up the NMPD patrol division the K9 unit can also respond to surrounding towns when called for assistance. The NMPD maintains a strong working relationship with surrounding law enforcement agencies. The NMPD K9 Unit conducts its in-service canine training with the K9 handlers of the Danbury, Brookfield, Bethel, and Ridgefield Police Departments.
The K9 teams also perform public demonstrations to help educate the public on the benefits and services the K9 program can offer the citizens.
The New Milford Police Department K9 Unit appreciates the continued support of the public and the donations that have the program possible.
Officer Lafond K-9 Kira
Officer Williams K-9 Drake
Officer Shaw K-9 Mattis
K9 Officer Lafond & K-9 Kira
K9 Officer Lafond graduated from Quinnipiac University in May of 2008 and immediately became a member of the New Milford Police Department in June of 2008. K9 Officer Lafond is currently assigned to the patrol division and was selected into the NMPD K9 Unit in 2011. K9 Officer Lafond also serves as a Field Training Officer. K9 Kira is a female German Shepherd Dog born in the Czech Republic. K9 Kira was flown to the United States with a group of dogs from Europe for evaluation. K9 Kira was put through a comprehensive selection process in which she beat out a talented group of male competitors. K9 Kira’s innate drive and attitude were selected to serve the NMPD and the citizens of New Milford.
Once selected, Officer Lafond and K9 Kira were sent to a ten week Patrol and Narcotics Canine Handler’s Course. The course was led by retired NMPD Lieutenant and Master Trainer William Scribnber. During the school K9 Kira and Officer Lafond learned to work as a team while learning how to track, clear buildings, move tactically and locate drugs. Upon the completion of the class, K9 Officer Lafond and K9 Kira were certified in Patrol and Narcotics by the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association and the National Police Work Dog Association.
K9 Officer Lafond and K9 Kira now certified, hit the streets of New Milford in the fall of 2011. Since that time K9 Kira has been on patrol and has proven to be an invaluable asset. K9 Kira has been credited with numerous drug finds, felony apprehensions, and has saved several lives while tracking. K9 Kira continues to serve and protect the Town of New Milford.