nothin New Haven Independent | Joker Earns His Bullet-Proof Jacket

Joker Earns His Bullet-Proof Jacket

Mary Johnson Photo

On the heels of a dramatic encounter with an aggressive perpetrator, Joker, Branford’s police K‑9, was the guest of honor at a fundraiser Sunday night at Bill Miller’s Castle.

Hosted by the Branford Exchange Club, the event attracted about 180 people, who came out in support of Joker.

The German Shepherd-Belgium Malinois, who has been on the job for almost a year, will receive some new duds. No, they’re not the ever-popular bandana or coat or snow booties. This attire is fitting for his job as a member of the town’s protective services: a bullet-proof/knife resistant jacket. The jackets cost between $1,400 and $2,200 and are specially fitted to the dog.

According to event chair and Exchange Club secretary Jack Mushin, the event met its financial expectations. People were really generous,” he said. We really appreciate them coming out.”

Mary Johnson Photo

Officer Luigi Amasino and Joker

Joker’s handler is Officer Luigi Amasino. Both he and Joker went through training at state police K‑9 Academy in Meriden. 

Indeed the work of a police dog is very dangerous. Four have been killed in the line of duty just this year: Aren in Pennsylvania, Nicky in Las Vegas, Kobus in Nebraska, and Jethro in Ohio.

Mushin said Joker has been involved in 18 tracking” – episodes in which he led police to a perpetrator.

Mary Johnson Photo

Joker was the star of the event, of course. Police Chief Kevin Halloran asked the audience to hold their applause and to be respectful when Joker entered the room to avoid distracting him. The dog later returned to the stage to pose for photographs.

Just last week, Joker was almost choked by a man involved in a domestic dispute.

Earlier this year, Joker was instrumental in locating a woman who had gotten lost in the Red Hill area of town. He led the team a mile into the woods and found her behind a boulder with her dog.

He also tracked down a teen who, with his father, had been involved in an attack on another teen at Branhaven Shopping Center.

Mary Johnson Photo

Citation – Police Chief Kevin Halloran, State Rep. Lonnie Reed, Office Luigi Amasino, and State Rep. Sean Scanlon.

In addition to the anticipated vest, Joker received a special badge and a citation from State Reps Lonnie Reed and Sean Scanlon. Scanlon comes from a family of police officers.

Mary Johnson Photo

A highlight of the evening was the comedy routine of Vince McElhone.

Mary Johnson Photo

Exchange Club president-elect Terry McAvoy, Reed, Amasino, Glen Newell, Scanlon, Secretary and event chair Jack Newell, and Al Mahan.

A bite suit,” a bulky padded suit that is used in training, will also be purchased with funds donated by the Exchange Club.

The cost for both the vest and bite suit is expected to be around $3,000.Chief Halloran posted the following note on the Branford Police Department’s Facebook page:“On behalf of the men and women of the Branford Police Department I would like to thank the Branford Exchange Club and all of its members for the terrific job they did tonight on fundraiser event at Bill Miller’s Castle. This organization exemplifies citizenship, friendship and helping others. Thank you to our community for supporting the Branford Police and our K9 team! Your generosity at this fundraiser was tremendous and in addition to the bulletproof vest the Exchange Club will be donating a training bite suit and a new badge for Joker! Also a special thank you to State Representatives Lonnie Reed and Sean Scanlon for always supporting our department. What a great night! Thank you all. “###

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