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‘He’s Exceptional’: Meet Apollo, New Canaan’s New K-9 Police Dog
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Soon and for the first time in more than two years, the New Canaan Police Department will have its own K-9 dog trained in apprehending suspects, sniffing out drugs and tracking missing people and items.
Apollo, an 18-month-old German Shepherd dog from Washington state, is bonding with newly designated K-9 Officer David Rivera, and will start formal training in about two weeks, according to Police Chief Leon Krolikowski. Purchased entirely with generous donations to a K-9 fund for the department, Apollo “perfectly balanced,” the chief said. “Meaning that he’s very social and calm, but then when he needs to work, he works,” Krolikowski said. “He’s a dog that you can trust.”
Apollo’s formal training doesn’t start until May 15, though he’s already spending all his time with Rivera, riding along in the cruiser and living with the police officer. The animal will undergo certification training in patrol work (apprehending suspects), tracking and narcotics (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines and marijuana), Krolikowski said.