04/10/2026
The Connecticut State Police K-9 Training Unit is proud to announce the graduation of the 260th K-9 Training Troop, specializing in explosive detection. Seven (7) K-9 Teams specially trained to detect and alert their handlers to the presence of explosives will begin assisting law enforcement in keeping our communities safe. The graduation ceremony included active K-9 displays and demonstrations.
The graduating explosive detection K-9 Teams are capable of searching for and locating military, tertiary, commercial, and improvised explosive devices within buildings, passenger and commercial motor vehicles, mass transit vehicles and venues, luggage, parcels, lockers, open areas, and persons.
Law Enforcement Agencies interested in attending the Connecticut State Police K-9 Training Program for explosive detection training & certification may contact the CSP K-9 Training Unit at [email protected] for more information.
Graduating K9 Teams are as follows:
Top Row (left to right):
Trooper Robert Van Woert & K9 Astro (Vermont State Police)
Trooper First Class John Swokla & K9 Gidget (Connecticut State Police)
Trooper First Class Adam Salzmann & K9 Gracie (Connecticut State Police)
Chief Timothy Schweitzer & K9 Vera (Connecticut Judicial Marshal Service)
Bottom Row (left to right):
Officer Bill Urgo & K9 Dory (Mohegan Tribal Police Department)
Officer Bill Eastwood & K9 Chappy (Connecticut State Capitol Police)
Sergeant James Soler & K9 Bear (Mohegan Tribal Police Department)
