State Police Trooper K-9 Team Takes First

On July 19, the 23rd Connecticut Police K-9 Olympics was held at UConn. There were 35 police K-9 teams competing in the event, including local Connecticut Police Department teams, CT Dept of Corrections teams and CT State Police teams. Also competing for the first time were six police K-9 teams from the Greater Boston area.

The K-9 competition graded K-9 teams on various obedience drills, obstacles, marksmanship and a K-9 apprehension/bite drills.

Awards were presented to Top Obedience, Top Tactical Obedience, Top Marksman, Top Obstacles, Top Criminal Apprehension, Most Experienced K-9, Most Experienced handler and the Top 3 Place K-9 Team winners. First place this year was awarded to State Trooper Nicholas Leary and Elvis.

TFC Leary is assigned to Connecticut State Police Troop D with his three-year-old K-9, Elvis. This year they took overall First Place in the event. "We are proud that with all of this K-9 experience competing in the Olympics, Trooper Leary and Elvis were able to do so well at this prestigious event," said Colonel Brian Meraviglia, commander of he Connecticut State Police.

TFC Leary has had great success in his career as a K-9 handler. Not only in the apprehension of criminals, but also in locating missing persons as a part of the State Police Search & Rescue Team and being an ambassador visiting with school groups and other organizations. He has been decorated by the State Police many times for his success utilizing his K-9 Elvis.

Also competing from the State Police this year was Trooper Kristen Coit From Troop K in Colchester and Trooper Christopher Porrini from Troop A in Southbury.