K-9 Unit

The K9 unit began in 1988 as part of the Patrol Division. It has proven to be a great asset to the Town of Greenwich and its surrounding communities. The K-9 Unit patrols one of the Department's twelve patrol areas and is available to respond to situations town-wide if needed.

Training

Members of the K-9 Unit must pass an 18-week training program at the Connecticut State Police K-9 Academy in Meriden, Connecticut. The K-9 dogs are trained in tracking criminals and missing persons, building and area search for suspects, recovery of evidence, and in protecting their handler. Advanced training can include the detection of narcotics and explosives.

Past K-9 Teams

• Officer Rick Cochran and his K-9 partner, Yogi, were the first K-9 team in this department. Officer Cochran and K-9 Yogi retired from the unit in 1994 when Officer Stanley Ouimette replaced them with his K-9 partner Shadow. Officer Ouimette and Shadow retired from the unit in 1999.
• Officer John Thorme and his K-9 partner Shilo replaced Officer Ouimette and his K-9 partner Shadow in 1999. Becoming the department’s third K-9 team. Officer Thorme and K-9 Shilo became the first members additionally trained in narcotic detection. Officer Thorme and K-9 Shilo retired from the unit in 2007.
• Officer Mike Macchia and K-9 Tyro became the fourth K-9 team in Greenwich in 2007. Officer Macchia and K-9 Tyro were additionally trained in narcotic detection. Officer Macchia and K9 Tyro retired from the unit in 2014.
• Officer Keith Scorca and his K-9 partner Kato teamed up from 2014 thru 2021.  Kato was trained in tracking and narcotics detection.  Officer Scorca and Kato assisted in many felony arrests and located several missing persons in their tenure.