Dog lovers had the chance to see teams of police K-9s show off their skills at the second annual Western Connecticut Police K-9 Challenge. This family-friendly event, held on Saturday, October 8th, was hosted by the Newtown Kennel Club as a fundraiser for Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG). The charity event raised funds to support keeping the 2GHG, one of the last active cavalry units, based in Newtown. Local law enforcement dogs and their handlers competed and were judged in five categories which included an obstacle course, tactical obedience, simunitions, fastest dog, and suspect apprehension.
The unique event had various canine breeds, including a bloodhound demonstrating “man trailing,” or trying to find a fleeing suspect. Dog lovers interested in having a K-9 challenge in their area are encouraged to reach out to their local police department K-9 unit to find out about opportunities.
2016 Western CT Police K-9 Challenge Results
Best Overall Team Awards
Based on cumulative points earned in the individual events of obstacle course, article find, obedience, simunitions, and suspect apprehension.
First: Stamford Police Department – K-9 Bobi, an 8-year-old male German Shepherd
Dog, and his handler Officer David J. Dogali. K-9 Bobi is dual-purpose trained on
narcotics and patrol.
Second: Connecticut 928th Military Police Working Dog Detachment, part of the
Army National Guard stationed in Newtown, CT – K-9 Balou, an 8-year-old female
Belgian Malinois, dual-purpose trained on narcotics and patrol with her handler
Christopher Rufini.
Third: Newtown Police Department – K-9 Saint Michael, a 3-year-old male German
Shepherd Dog, dual-purpose trained on narcotics and patrol, and his handler Officer
Felicia Figol.
Best K-9 Awards
First: K-9 Zora – a 4-year-old female German Shepherd Dog dual-purpose trained in
narcotics detection and patrol, from the Connecticut 928th Military Police Working Dog
Detachment, part of the Army National Guard stationed in Newtown, CT with her
handler Nelson Struck.
Second: K-9 Murphy – a 4-year-old male German Shepherd Dog, dual-purpose trained in
narcotics detection and patrol, from the Monroe Police Department with his handler
John McAulay.
Third: K-9 Stryker – a 2-year-old male German Shepherd Dog, from the Shelton Police
Department with his handler Officer Dan Loris.
Best Handler Awards
First: Ray Ouellette from the New Britain Police Department with K-9 Pup, a 3-year-old
male German Shepherd Dog.
Second: Shawn Murray from the Ridgefield Police Department with K-9 Loki, a 3-year-old
male German Shepherd Dog trained in patrol.
Third: David J. Dogali from the Stamford Police Department with K-9 Bobi, an 8-year-old
male German Shepherd Dog.
Click here for photos from the event. (Photo credit: David S. Woo)