New Darien Police Dog Begins Active Service

DARIEN, CT — Darien Police Officer Leslie Silva Thursday began her K9 Team handling duties with K9 "Kenny," the newest member of the department, officials announced.

Off. Silva was previously paired with K9 "Grizzly," who had to retire from service - and subsequently passed away - following a cancer diagnosis.

K9 Kenny is a 3 ½ year old Yellow Labrador Retriever, who recently completed training. The name Kenny was chosen as a tribute to fallen Darien Police Officer Kenneth Bateman, and was provided to the department by trainer Frank Reda of Superior K9 Services.

Trained as a narcotics detection dog, K9 Kenny will work primarily in the Patrol division with Off. Silva, but will be available to other units within the department for special assignments.

"Although it was very difficult to lose my previous partner, K9 Grizzly, I'm excited to be given the opportunity to start a new partnership with K9 Kenny," said Off. Silva in a statement. "I am proud to have my K9 partner named after Officer Kenneth Bateman. This was a great opportunity to honor Officer Bateman and to remind people that he made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this community safe."

Photo: Darien Police Off. Leslie Silva and K9 Kenny. Photo credit: Darien Police Department