Southington Police Canine Unit Gets $2,000 Grant

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Southington police dog Tank has received a $2,000 grant for placing fourth in a recent national recognition contest sponsored by The Hometown Foundation.

Tank is a 5-year-old German shepherd who has been with handler Neal Ayotte for two years.

"Thank you to everyone who supported Officer Ayotte and Tank in the contest," Southington police said while announcing the grant.

Tank is certified in tracking, suspect apprehension, handler protection, building search, area search, obedience, aggression control, article/evidence recovery and narcotics.

One of Tank's best efforts so far is an assist with a local agency in tracking a suspect wanted in a violent domestic incident. The suspect fled over multiple lanes on a busy interstate highway to an area motel, where he was apprehended by Tank and assisting officers.