Southington PD Excels In Regional Competitions

SOUTHINGTON, CT — In addition to protecting the public's safety, Southington's finest have spent part of August competing in regional and national competitions showcasing their skills.

Over the weekend, Southington Police Department K-9 officer David Carbone and his partner "Kay" came in second place out of 30 K-9 teams at the Hometown Foundation's "Dream Ride Police K-9 Challenge" in Farmington.

The event took place Friday and Saturday, Aug. 23-24, at the Farmington Polo Club with teams from the area and country represented.

Had this been an Olympics event, the team of "Carbone and Kay," (not a 1970s television crime drama title) would have earned a silver medal.

That triumph comes after several SPD officers participated Aug. 12-14 in the 20th annual Connecticut SWAT Challenge.

Southington police are part of the Central Region Emergency Response Team, which also includes representation from Bristol, Plainville, and Plymouth.

This competition included seven challenge events in the towns of East Granby and Windsor and it showcased 37 SWAT teams from New England, Florida, Texas, Tennessee, and New York.

Of 37 teams participating, the CRERT unit with Southington officers placed 15th.

"Great work by all of those who participated, and special thanks to the organizers, sponsors and vendors who make this event possible each year," wrote the SPD on the SWAT team challenge.

For more information on the 'Dream Ride Police K-9 Challenge,' click on this link.

For more information on the Connecticut SWAT Challenge, click on this link.