|
Police Canine Program
Agent Glenn Buonanducci
Agt. Buonanducci served as a Community Service Officer from 1994 to
1999 when he was hired as a Police Officer and was promoted
to the rank of Agent in 2004. He served
in Patrol and Traffic Unit before being assigned as the department's
Canine Handler. Agt. Buonanducci and Police Canine Boris
graduated the 113th Connecticut State Police Canine Training Troop on
December 16, 2004 for Patrol Canine certification. On May 12, 2006 they
graduated the 122nd Connecticut State Police Canine Training Troop for
Narcotics Detection certification. In addition to being the Canine Handler,
Agt. Buonanducci serves as a Field Training Officer, Tactical Operator/
Medic for the Capitol Region Emergency Services Team, Firearms Instructor,
and Honor Guard Member. Agt. Buonanducci is a veteran of the U.S. Army
having served 6 years as a Military Policeman. He has received 2 of the
department's Life Saving Awards, a Chief's Award, and a department commendation.
Police Canine Boris
Canine Boris is a 90 pound, 6 year old, male German Shepherd Dog. He was imported from Germany through Connecticut Canine Services.
Canine Boris was hired by South Windsor Police on September 12, 2004
and was paired with Agt. Buonanducci. Canine Boris has completed both
Patrol Working Dog certification and Narcotics Detection Cross Training
through the Connecticut State Police. Canine Boris is a ball reward
canine. In addition to his service in the patrol unit, Canine Boris serves
on the Capitol Region Emergency Services team with Agt. Buonanducci.
Team History
The South Windsor Police Services Canine Unit (K-9)
unit is an enhanced support function of the Patrol Services. The Canine
Unit is comprised of specially trained police dogs and their police officer
handlers. Their primary civic protection functions are to respond
to alarm and prowler calls, conduct building and article searches, assist
drug units with narcotic detection and the tracking of suspects. The
canines utilize their indispensable abilities of smell, sight, speed,
and agility in the performance of these functions. The use of canines
is imperative in the fight against crime and provides protection for
officers and the community. When K-9 officers are not responding to calls,
they patrol the business and residential areas of the town in an effort
to deter and detect crime.
Before an officer is chosen to be a canine handler, the officer goes
through a testing process. The officer must show a unique dedication
toward the department and canine unit. The handler must have accommodations
at home for the new partner, which are German Shepherds.
After the new canine officer is chosen, the handler is paired up with
the new animal partner. The dogs, which are imported from Europe, and
the handler go through a sixteen week initial training session with the
Connecticut State Police. Bonding between the officer and the canine
is very important during this time. In order to solidify this bonding,
training between the handler and the canine is ongoing throughout the
partnership of the canine team. When the officer is not working, the
canine stays at home with the officer and his or her family. Retired
dogs normally live with handlers for the rest of their lives.
|