Western CT Police K-9 Challenge Event Benefits Horse Guard
The horse ring on the grounds of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG), at Fairfield Hills, was occupied by dogs on October 3. But not just any dogs. Teams from area Connecticut towns, the MTA K9 unit in New York City, and the 928th Military Police Army National Guard tackled an obstacle course, apprehended suspects, and demonstrated their obedience skills at the inaugural Western CT Police K-9 Challenge. It was all part of a fundraising event, hosted by the Newtown Kennel Club (NKC) and the Friends of 2GHG, to provide much needed funds to support keeping the 2GHG, one of the last active cavalry units, based here in Newtown.
Newtown Police Officer Paula Wickham, Brookfield Police Officer Jeff Osuch, and Chris Sweetwood, AKC Delegate, judged the day’s competition. 2GHG Commandant Major Gordon Johnson assisted by NKC members presented the ribbons and medallions to the winners.
Lisa Peterson, a longtime Newtown Kennel Club member, served as publicity coordinator and was the announcer for the event. Chilly, wet conditions didn’t deter hearty members of the public from coming out to support the cause.
“It was interesting. A lot of dogs hadn’t seen any of these obstacles before,” said Bill Finucane, from the MTA Police K-9 Unit, who, along with his K-9 Vinny, was among the award winners. “It’s for a worthy cause.”
The obstacle course featured a variety of ramps, jumps, and tire runs. The obstacles were all built with pressure-treated wood by Milton Adams from Newtown Public Works Department.
NKC President Helene Nietsch was on hand and noted that NKC board member Pam Peral spearheaded the efforts to hold this event.
“I was just very adamant that [the 2GHG] needed to stay here as a sense of pride for the town, and for all they do here,” Peral said.
“We’re thrilled to have a partnership with our police and military dog teams,” 2GHG Second Lieutenant Ken Fay added.
“It seems like a good fit for both,” Johnson said of the connection between the horse and dog communities. “We’re looking forward to doing it again in the future.”
Results of the Western CT Police K-9 Challenge are as follows:
Best Overall Team Awards
Based on cumulative points earned in the individual events of obstacle course, article find, obedience, simunitions, and suspect apprehension.
First: Norwalk Police Department, K-9 Czar, a 7-year-old male Belgian Malinois, and his handler Sergeant Frank Reda. K-9 Czar is dual-purpose, trained on narcotics and patrol.
Second: Ridgefield Police Department, K-9 Loki, a 2-year-old male German shepherd trained in patrol, and his handler Shawn Murray.
Third: Naugatuck Police Department, K-9 Vane, a 5-year-old male German shepherd, patrol certified, and his handler Ian Kosky.
Best K-9 Awards
First: K-9 Vinny, a 2-year-old male Malinois/shepherd mix, dual-purpose trained in explosives and patrol, from the MTA Police K-9 Unit with his handler Bill Finucane.
Second: K-9 Ace, a 4-year-old Belgian Malinois, from the Clinton Police Department with his handler Greg Matakaetis.
Third: K-9 Loki, a 2-year-old male German shepherd, from the Ridgefield Police Department with his handler Shawn Murray.
Best Handle Awards
First: Thomas Fletcher from the Connecticut 928th Military Police Working Dog Detachment, part of the Army National Guard stationed in Newtown, and his Military Working Dog K9 Schurkje, a 3-year-old male Belgian Malinois.
Second: Sgt Reda from the Norwalk Police Department with K-9 Czar.
Third: Bill Finucane from the MTA Police K-9 Unit with K-9 Vinny.
The Newtown Kennel Club, founded in 1947, has a long tradition of supporting canine causes and charities whose mission includes the health and welfare of all dogs in the community. A portion of the proceeds from its annual dog shows is donated to canine-related organizations, nonprofits, and the continued support of Newtown’s Police K-9 Unit. For more information visit www.newtownkennelclub.org.
The Friends of 2GHG was organized by former members of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard (2GHG) for charitable and educational purposes. The Friends are dedicated to promoting the public’s interest in, and the general welfare of 2GHG. 2GHG is a specially chartered body of troops of the organized militia of the State of Connecticut, headquartered in Newtown. For more information visit www.friendsof2ghg.org.