CT State Police Trooper and K9 Visit Masonic Lodge #119
Granite Lodge #119 in Haddam, CT held their Annual Masonic Picnic on June 26th. Good food and fellowship ensued and the evening was culminated by a donation to the CT State Police K9 Fund. The money will go to buy safety related equipment (bullet proof vests, tracking beacon collars, etc) that these specialized dogs need to stay safe while they do their important jobs, helping protect CT residents.
The Brothers and their families learned from Ct State Police TFC Matt Weber about the relationship he has had with his German Shepard K9, named Tazz. Born in Czechoslovakia, Tazz joined Matt, his work partner as a puppy and immediately went into training.
While in lodge, Tazz continuously demonstrated his fascination with his favorite tennis ball. When his expertise is needed to help Trooper Webber resolve a potential crisis, he loses the ball and gets it back when he completes his mission. Matt and Tazz not only work together but also hang out after hours. And when Tazz is ready to retire it is likely he will continue to live with Matt.
Trooper Webber told a number of related K9 stories about how the CT State Police also use other breeds to do specialized missions. In addition to breeds that track people and find drugs, CT State Police trained retrievers are experts at using their noses to locate electronics hidden in buildings or surrounding areas.
The K9 fund sponsorship was a passion of the late Right Worshipful Brother William V. Baroni, who had spent nearly 47 years as a brother of Granite lodge. He conceived of this K9 project prior to his death in 2018. Right Worshipful Brother Michael Shear presented a check for $1000 to Trooper Webber, who is a resident Trooper in neighboring Killingworth.
Submitted by Jeff Ogilvie, 7/28/2019
