CLINTON, Conn. (WTNH) — The Clinton Police Department is pleased to welcome a new officer to their unit, K9 Monte, who was named after fallen Bristol police lieutenant Dustin Demonte.
The Clinton Police Department was gifted their new K9 officer as a donation from the Hometown Foundation. The foundation donated the 22-month-old black german shepherd after learning about the successful relationship between Clinton Police Corporal Jason Frey and his K-9 Sonny.
Monte was selected to join the department after undergoing weeks of tests to prove he was the “man” for the job. Monte is picking up right where K-9 Sonny left off, as he enjoys his well-deserved retirement. Clinton police say Monte is anxious to get started.
When Frey was given the honor of naming the department’s new police K9, he felt it would be a heartfelt tribute to name the K9 Monte, in honor of his friend and former classmate, the late Lt. Dustin Demonte, at the Connecticut Police Academy (Class 337).
Lt. Demonte and Sgt. Alex Hamzy were tragically killed in an ambush while on duty last year.
K-9 Monte will be a dual-purpose patrol dog. His duties will include obedience, tracking, searches, evidence recovery, suspect apprehension and detecting illegal narcotics.
K-9 Monte will become a staple of Clinton and will attend many town events.
When K-9 Monte graduates he will need further assistance with food, training, equipment as well as veterinarian funds. Those interested in donating can click here.
You can follow K-9 Monte’s journey on the Clinton Police Department’s Instagram page.