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
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