Middlebury Police Officer Edward Demers and his police dog, Jay, are shown at their graduation from the State Police K9 Training Troop. (Submitted photo)
The Middlebury Police Department proudly announced that Officer Edward Demers and his K9, Jay, graduated from the 173rd State Police K9 Training Troop on May 28, 2015, in a ceremony at the Police Officer Standards and Training Council Academy in Meriden, Conn. Officer Demers, along with 11 other officers and their K9s, participated in a grueling 14-week training session that began the second week of February and concluded the last week in May. The course, which is physically and mentally demanding, prepares the officers and their K9s for the rigors of patrol duty and includes tracking, apprehensions, obedience and other facets of their daily duties.
Officer Demers, who has had two previous K9s, is extremely experienced and respected in the field of K9 training and handling. When his most recent K9, a yellow Labrador retriever named J.J., retired, the department purchased Jay, a German shepherd. During the graduation ceremony hosted by the Connecticut State Police, Officer Demers was honored for having the highest academic grade average in the class.
Middlebury Police Chief James Viadero said, “We are extremely proud and excited to have Officer Demers back to work with his K9. Additionally, both Officer Demers and K9 Jay will be an asset to the department and the town, providing years of dedicated and professional police service to the Middlebury community. Officer Demers made a great sacrifice accepting the assignment and will most certainly excel in his future endeavors.”
Viadero said the Middlebury Police Department also thanked members of the community who generously donated to the acquisition of K9 Jay and the cost of the K9 program. Without their donations the program would not have been possible. A special thank-you also goes to Fidelco Guide Dog Services in Bloomfield, Conn. Jay was acquired from Fidelco, a group that provides and trains guide dogs for the blind but also vigorously supports police K9 programs.
You must be logged in to post a comment.