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03/26/2016 08:58 AMFrom helping police in dangerous situations to tracking down suspects and even finding a 70 year-old woman lost in the woods, Branford Police K9 “Joker” has been earning his kibble since joining the force last summer. Now, Branford Exchange Club is working to supply K9 Joker with a ballistic vest.
Branford Exchange Club will host a fundraising “Comedy Night for Joker,” and buffet dinner, April 10 at Bill Miller’s Castle in Branford, to benefit K9 Joker. Bullet-resistant and stab-resistant, the highly specialized vests worn by military/law enforcement dogs can average in value from approximately $1,500 to over $2,000.
Together with Branford Police Officer Luigi Amasino, K9 Joker completed intensive training with the Connecticut State Police Canine Training Unit and graduated with 173rd Patrol Dog Training Troop on May 28, 2015. The Branford canine team was trained to aid police in areas including tracking, evidence recovery, building searches and classroom education. K9 Joker is a two year-old German Shepherd.
Since joining Branford Police, the canine team is credited with at least 14 successful tracks and one apprehension. In December 2015, following a stand-off lasting several hours, K9 Joker and Officer Amasino were among the first line of responders, together with South Central Regional SWAT, entering a Branford home believed to be occupied by a barricaded, armed man. The man was found deceased in the home. Just days earlier, the canine team tracked and detained two suspects, who were arrested for stealing delivery packages from Branford Hills Condominiums. In January, within 45 minutes of being alerted, Branford Police and Fire personnel, led by K9 Joker with Officer Amasino, located a 70 year-old woman who had been lost in woods near Stony Creek for approximately four hours.
Branford Exchange Club Secretary and event chair Jack Mushin said the club considers the Branford police dog a “K9 Hero” and that’s why the fundraising comedy night and buffet dinner has been organized. Since 2014, Branford Exchange Club has also worked to annually to honor “Shoreline Heroes,” with a special event recognizing department-nominated first responders from Branford and surrounding towns.
Comedian Vincent McElhone will be featured on stage during “Comedy Night for Joker,” which takes place Sun., April 10, 6:30 p.m. at Bill Miller’s Castle. McElhone is a shoreline resident known for using his laughs to help give back to community causes. His more than 20 years in comedy includes stand up at venues ranging from Mohegan Sun to Las Vegas casinos.
“Comedy Night for Joker” ticket price includes a dinner buffet and comedy show. The night’s raffle will help add to the fundraising effort. Advance tickets, available now, are $35; contact Mushin at (203) 901-7982 or email art.promotions1@gmail.com Tickets are $40 at the door. Bill Miller’s Castle is located at 834 E. Main St. in Branford.