The Westport Police Department proudly announces the addition of Police Service Dog (PSD) Atlas as the newest member of the Westport Police Department K9 Unit. PSD Atlas is a 19 month old German shepherd who was acquired from Grasso Shepherds and will be handled by Officer David Scinto. The team is set to begin training this month with an expected certification as a patrol / narcotics detection canine in October. Officer Scinto and Atlas will join Officer Jim Loomer & PSD Koda and Officer Baker & PSD Chase in the K9 Unit. In response to the recent increase in drug abuse and heroin overdoses in the area, adding “Atlas” as a third narcotic detection K9 better enables the department to enforce current drug laws. Also, starting in early September, Westport Police Officers will be one of the few departments in our area to be issued Narcan (an emergency treatment for known or suspected opioid overdose).

The K9 Unit has never been a budgeted unit within the Police Department and has existed since its inception in the late 1980s through generous donations from the community, as well as continuing long-time support from Dr. Joan Poster of the Poster Animal Hospital and Bill Mitchell of Mitchell’s of Westport. With the addition of PSD Atlas, the Westport Police Department is seeking help from the public in raising funds to cover the costs associated with his training, equipment and care.

The Westport Police Department has set up a “GO FUND ME page in an effort to raise $15,000 to cover these costs.

Donations can be made by visiting the following link: https://www.gofundme.com/westportpolicek9

Or be made directly to:

The Westport Police Department K9 Unit

50 Jesup Rd

Westport CT 06880