Vernon Police Dog Team Takes A Dream Ride For Special Olympics

FARMINGTON, CT — The Vernon Police Department canine team of Officer Brandon Zawadski and police dog Franco showed off some skills at the Dream Ride Police K-9 Expo & Challenge Saturday.

The event at the Farmington Polo Club serves as a benefit for the Special Olympics.

The expo features obstacle, tactical obedience apprehension, building search and article search segments. More than 20 dogs were on hand from Connecticut, Massachusetts and New York. It was the first appearance at the event for Zawadski and Franco.

Up next for the team is the K-9 Olympics on Sept. 16.

The Dream Ride Police K-9 Expo & Challenge is a premiere training seminar and competition showcasing police dogs and their handlers from across the country.

Expert trainers provide each attendee with up to 16 hours of training plus dogs and their handlers demonstrate their skills. The event is family-friendly and open for public viewing during the Dream Ride Experience weekend.