The Darien Police Department is pleased to announce the start of service for the K9 Team of K-9 “Kenny,” and his handler Officer Leslie Silva.
Photo from Darien Police Department
Officer Leslie Silva with Kenny, the newest addition to the Darien police force.
K-9 “Kenny” is a 3 ½-year-old yellow Labrador retriever.
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— an announcement from Darien Police Department
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The name Kenny was chosen as a tribute to fallen Darien Police Officer Kenneth Bateman. K-9 Kenny was provided to the department by trainer Frank Reda of “Superior K-9 Services” as a replacement for K-9 Grizzly.
Officer Silva was previously paired with K-9 Grizzly, who had to retire from service due to failing health.
K-9 Kenny is a trained narcotics detection dog, who will work primarily in the Patrol division with Officer Silva, but will be available to other units within the department for special assignments.
“Although it was very difficult to lose my previous partner, K-9 Grizzly, I’m excited to be given the opportunity to start a new partnership with K-9 Kenny,” Silva said. “I am proud to have my K-9 partner named after Officer Kenneth Bateman. This was a great opportunity to honor Officer Bateman and to remind people that he made the ultimate sacrifice to keep this community safe.”
After completion of training, Officer Silva and K-9 Kenny were brought into full service today, June 1.