Connecticut Police K-9 Killed In the Line of Duty

The Orange Police Department is in mourning Saturday as its fellow four-legged officer was killed in the line of duty. 

Assistant Police Chief Anthony Cuozzo said the department’s K-9 Major was assisting his handler, Officer Chris Brown, at a disabled vehicle when he was struck and killed instantly by a commercial truck early Saturday on Route 34 need Sodom Lane. Brown was not injured. 

During his brief career Major assisted in several tracks. “K-9 Major was an integral part of the Patrol Division and the Orange Police family,” Cuozzo said. 

Police Chief Robert Gagne stated that, "Our entire department is deeply saddened by this sudden and tragic accident. Officer Brown and K-9 Major made a great team and we are all concentrating on giving Chris our full support at this difficult time."

The accident remains under investigation, however the operator of the truck stopped immediately and no charges are expected to be filed, Cuozzo said.

Major was 2-years-old and a graduate of the Connecticut State Police 166th Patrol Dog Class in June 2014. He had just joined the Police Department last month.