Fish and Game Enforcement in Connecticut

DEEP’s Environmental Conservation Police (EnCon Police) formed a K-9 unit that became operational in 2012. Four officers and their Labrador Retriever K-9 partners became certified in tracking and evidence recovery and were recognized in a graduation ceremony at DEEP’s Marine District Headquarters on Thursday June 14, 2012. The officers and their partners, Officer Erin Crossman and Ellie, Officer Holly Bernier and Saydee, Officer William Logiodice and Ruger, and Officer Karen Reilly and Hunter, went through four weeks of vigorous training before becoming certified by instructors from the Connecticut State Police K-9 unit. The Agency obtained three of the dogs from Connecticut Labrador Rescue Inc, in Haddam and Michael Case, a private breeder from Colebrook Connecticut who donated the fourth K-9 to the Department. The dogs have been living and riding with their handlers for the past year. The K-9’s will be utilized for search and rescue missions such as searching for lost or missing persons and evidence recovery. The Agency also has plans to train them in specialized areas such as wildlife detection. Approving the K-9 unit was one of DEEP Commissioner Daniel Esty’s first official acts as Commissioner.

Through enforcement and education the Environmental Conservation Police Division will continue to provide pubic safety and protect the state’s natural resources. We encourage the citizens of Connecticut to take an active role in this mission by reporting fish and game violations to our 24 hour toll free line at 1-800-842-4357.

Sincerely,

Colonel Kyle Overturf