New Canine Team Added To Ranks Of Enfield Police Department

ENFIELD, CT — A new pairing of an Enfield police officer and a trained police dog was among 10 teams which graduated Thursday from the Connecticut State Police 235th Patrol Canine Class.

Officer Shawn Kotecki and his German shepherd, Odin, bring the Enfield Police Department's ranks to three canine teams. A fourth, headed by Officer Matt Alexander, will begin training this fall, Chief Alaric Fox said.

"Officer Kotecki has distinguished himself, in his professionalism, his attitude, his work ethic, and his ability to connect with our community, since his arrival at the Enfield Police Department," Fox said. "I am extremely confident that those attributes will continue in his service to the town of Enfield as a department canine handler. We are very excited to welcome him and Odin back from canine training."

The new graduating class successfully completed an intensive and rigorous 14-week training program in their pursuit of excellence. The teams have concluded an extensive curriculum that encompasses a wide range of skills, including locating missing family members, locating critical evidence during investigations, crucial support to law enforcement officers, and community engagement.