Fairfield Police Add New K9 Officer To Its Ranks

FAIRFIELD, CT ? Penny, a 13-week-old bloodhound, is the newest member of the Fairfield Police Department, officials announced. Click here to view a photo of the new K9 officer.

The K9 will be partnered with Officer Anthony Renaldi, and her role will be dedicated solely to tracking individuals who are lost or missing.

"Adding a single-purpose tracking and trailing bloodhound to our department is an incredible opportunity," Renaldi told Patch in a statement. "She will be a resource not only for Fairfield but for surrounding communities as well, providing critical support during missing person cases and other emergencies."

The department recently asked residents to name the bloodhound, which led to her being called Penny.

Bloodhounds hold a unique and historic place in law enforcement, according to authorities. Known for their extraordinary sense of smell, they have been trusted for centuries to locate missing persons, vulnerable individuals such as children or those with cognitive impairments, and suspects fleeing on foot. Their scent-tracking ability is unmatched, making them invaluable during critical incidents where every moment counts.

Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris said the addition is a welcomed development for the department.

"This bloodhound represents a major step forward in our ability to serve and protect," Paris told Patch. "The tradition of bloodhounds in policing is long-standing, and we are proud to bring that capability to Fairfield. We are grateful for the community support that made this possible, and I know this K9 will quickly become a valued member of both our department and our town."

Bloodhounds are trained gradually, starting with small "puppy tracks" and environmental exposures, such as visiting train stations and busy areas, with formal training to begin when Penny is 7 to 8 months old.

"At that point, she will attend a seven-week academy before being certified for service," officials said. "Officer Renaldi has already dedicated over 100 hours of his own time assisting K9 officers to learn the skills, commitment, and teamwork required to be a K9 handler."

This bloodhound?s arrival is especially significant because there are only eight law enforcement bloodhounds in the state, and by adding one in Fairfield, the department is "providing a tremendous resource not only for our community but also for neighboring towns in need of assistance."

Fairfield's K9 program has been made possible entirely through private donations, covering the cost of the dog, training, equipment, and a specialized vehicle, according to authorities.

Community members who would like to support the Fairfield Police K9 program and other police initiatives may do so by visiting the department's donation page at: https://fpdct.com/donate