hall of fame
The VT Police Canine Association began in 2000 as a non-profit association to support VT’s Police K9 Teams with additional training, equipment and other needs. Although our non-profit Association is relatively new, VT’s Police Canine Program began in 1979, and has been credited with hundreds of arrests, hundreds of lives saved, tons of drugs seized, and millions of dollars in seized assets.
Several years ago one of senior handlers, Corporal Tom Radford of the Burlington Police Department (with his dog, K-9 Stoney) strongly believed that there needed to be some recognition of the work done by our teams over the years. In 2008 his plan had gained enough momentum and he had raised enough funds to build the VT Police Canine Hall of Fame.
In May 2008 we inducted 14 members into the new Hall of Fame. In May of 2009 we inducted 3 more, and 1 more in May of 2010.
Inductees are determined by a vote from the VT Police Canine Committee, which is also tasked by the VT Criminal Justice Training Council with certifications and creating training standards for our program.
The standards for induction are strict:
This is the highest honor bestowed on a Vermont Police K9 Team or person. The Hall of Fame is reserved for K9 Teams and/or person(s) that exhibited outstanding dedication to the VT Police K9 Program throughout their career. Hall of Fame inductees remained proficient in all phases of training, promoted the positive attributes of the K9 program yearly, and who either performed heroic deed(s), obtained major accomplishments, or dedicated their lives to the betterment of the program. The Hall of Fame is reserved for the K9 teams and/or person(s) who are considered the best of their era or major contributors to the success of the program, and whose passion towards this elite position was exhibited in the high quality of work they produced throughout their years of service to the K9 Program..
Committee members agreed that this honor is for retired K9 teams; that the team would have had to work 5 years together; to have performed at a level of excellence for a long time, including numerous great deeds with a “never give up” attitude; and if a dog loses it’s life in the performance of their duties.
Our Hall of Fame members are:
Sgt. Wade Labrecque and K-9 Andre – Burlington PD (2007-2015)
Sgt. Matthew Prouty and K-9 King Otto – Rutland City PD
Sgt. Moe Lamothe and K-9 JC – VSP (2003-2009)
Andrew “Andy” Holbrook (non handler category)
For most of Andy’s 25 year tenure at the academy he has been assigned to the Vermont Police K-9 Program. He has been under the direction of all three Head K-9 Trainers, past and present. Andy has performed a myriad of tasks for the K-9 program including maintaining the K-9 house and vehicles and assisting K-9 teams during training scenarios. Andy completes every task given with persistence and without complaint despite daily personal challenges. Andy has met most of the hundreds of police K-9 teams that have been a part of the program since its inception in 1979 and his commitment to the Vermont Police K-9 Program is second to none.
Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2009).
Sgt. Eric Albright and K-9 Luca – VSP (2000-2008)
Cpl. Tom Radford and K-9 Stoney – Burlington PD (2000-2008)
Sgt. Todd Protzman and K-9 Max – VSP (1999-2007).
Outstanding police K-9 team known for high risk involvements. Tracked attempted murderer in 2000. K-9 Max air scented about 100 feet from the suspect, allowing Protzman and his backup officer to take cover. The suspect committed suicide 2 hours later. SAR 11 hour find of 3 lost canoeists with hypothermia in 2001 in extremely difficult terrain. In 2001 K-9 Max had a building search find of 2 burglary suspects hiding in a ceiling and in 2005 located a fugitive from Florida in a basement. In 2002 K-9 Max and another K-9 team tracked bank robbers and Max located the bank bag, ski masks and the dye-stained money. In 2007 K-9 Max tracked 2 burglars for 1.5 miles through difficult, mountainous terrain and found evidence solving a rash of burglaries. VT Police K-9 Apprehension of the Year (2007). Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Chief Chris Morrell and K-9 Doc – Hinesburg PD (1997-2006)
Chief Rick Cloud and K-9 Tazz, Chester PD (1998-2006)
VT Police K-9 Tracking Team of the Year (2001). K-9 Tazz known as “go to” tracking dog during his career. 4 Lifesaving tracks including a 4 year old found hanging on a ledge, an Alzheimer’s patient and a subject who had fallen through ice and was found on shore nearby with hypothermia. K-9 Tazz tracked a suicidal subject with a gun at Mad River Glenn Ski Area. The subject threatened officers on 3 separate occasions, but was deterred by K-9 Tazz and eventually relinquished the gun. K-9 Tazz assisted in the apprehension of a suicidal and threatening subject with a razor blade who put down the weapon when confronted by Tazz. Numerous tracking finds including 3 escapees from Windsor Prison.
Inducted K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Ofc. Dave Dewey and K-9 Kilo – Winooski PD\Colchester PD (1999-2006)
Corporal Ed Hunter and K-9 Xerxes – VSP (1996-2004)
Mike Glodgett and K-9 Onde – Newport PD (1994-2004)
Retired Sgt. (present head K-9 Trainer) Bob Ryan and K-9 Max – Barre City PD (1989-1999)
Retired Sgt. Fred Busch – VSP (1973-1997)
Sgt. Busch is considered the founder of the Vermont Police K-9 Program. He set the foundation for the program when he took his K-9 Lancer to Connecticut to certify him in this state in 1973 since Vermont, at the time, did not have a police K-9 program. Sgt. Busch worked Lancer in the late 1970s becoming the first VT police K-9 head trainer in 1979. In this first patrol class he certified his second dog, Saber, this time in Vermont, under his own direction. Sgt. Busch remained in this position until 1997 and still has an influence on the program today due to his legendary teachings. Sgt. Busch is credited with certifying nearly 100 police K-9 teams. Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Sgt. Tom Jacques and K-9 Caesar – VSP (1989-1997)
Sgt. Russell Robinson and K-9 Major – VSP (1987-1997)
On August 20, 1997, K-9 Major saved numerous law enforcement lives when he air scented Carl Drega, who had just murdered 4 people in New Hampshire including two NH State Troopers. The tactical team that K-9 Major was leading, walking down a remote location in Vermont, was about to walk into an ambush that Drega had set up. In a shootout at this location, several officers were wounded and Drega was killed. Received Lifesaving Awards, Combat Cross, K-9 of the Year Award, Citizen of the Year Award, State of New Hampshire Meritorious Award, and U.S. Department of Justice Award. Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Sgt. Gary Genova – VSP
In 1988, Sgt. Genova was assigned to the VT Police K-9 Unit, became an Assistant K-9 Instructor in 1992 and head K-9 Trainer in 1996. Sgt. Genova is credited with training and certifying over 100 Police K-9 teams throughout VT and New England during his 16 years of dedicated service to the program. Known as an innovative trainer, Sgt. Genova is credited with advancing the program in Patrol Tactics and SAR. Sgt. Genova is a co-founder of the VT Police K-9 Association and has handled two K-9 partners: K-9 Buck, a German Shepherd, certified in Patrol and Narcotics Detection and K-9 Corey, a Labrador Retriever, certified in Explosives Detection.
Retired Cpl. Roy Holton – VSP (1979-1992)
Police K-9 Handler/4 Police K-9s (Ted, Midnight, Rocky, Will) Served the VT Police K-9 Program from 1979-1992.
Retired Sgt. Linda Jones Elrick – Rutland City PD
Sgt. Elrick has dedicated over 27 years to the VT Police K-9 Program, starting with her graduation from the Fifth Basic Patrol Dog School with K-9 Christopher in 1981. In 1984, Sgt. Elrick and K-9 Christopher graduated from the First Basic Narcotics Detection Dog School. She has been a member of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council’s K-9 Committee since April 1985 and continues her work on the committee today as the most senior member. Sgt. Elrick’s historical knowledge and tireless dedication is a testament to her passion for the VT Police K-9 Program. Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008),
Retired Col. Tom Powlovich and K-9 Cheyenne- VSP (1980-1986)
On August 12, 1983, Powlovich and Cheyenne were dispatched to Vergennes to assist on a report of an armed suspect who had fired shots and was now on foot traveling towards the school. Officers located the suspect who was still armed. The suspect pulled a handgun from his pants and ran when confronted. Powlovich sent Cheyenne after the suspect. the suspect, who had taken a position around a trailer, was distracted by charging Cheyenne and took aim and shot him. The suspect then fired on Powlovich and a Vergennes officer. They returned fire and fatally shot the suspect. Powlovich said the actions of Cheyenne saved his life and potentially the lives of two other officers. Cheyenne was shot in the shoulder, later recovered and worked three more years as a police K-9. Vermont State Police Combat Cross (1983). Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Several years ago one of senior handlers, Corporal Tom Radford of the Burlington Police Department (with his dog, K-9 Stoney) strongly believed that there needed to be some recognition of the work done by our teams over the years. In 2008 his plan had gained enough momentum and he had raised enough funds to build the VT Police Canine Hall of Fame.
In May 2008 we inducted 14 members into the new Hall of Fame. In May of 2009 we inducted 3 more, and 1 more in May of 2010.
Inductees are determined by a vote from the VT Police Canine Committee, which is also tasked by the VT Criminal Justice Training Council with certifications and creating training standards for our program.
The standards for induction are strict:
This is the highest honor bestowed on a Vermont Police K9 Team or person. The Hall of Fame is reserved for K9 Teams and/or person(s) that exhibited outstanding dedication to the VT Police K9 Program throughout their career. Hall of Fame inductees remained proficient in all phases of training, promoted the positive attributes of the K9 program yearly, and who either performed heroic deed(s), obtained major accomplishments, or dedicated their lives to the betterment of the program. The Hall of Fame is reserved for the K9 teams and/or person(s) who are considered the best of their era or major contributors to the success of the program, and whose passion towards this elite position was exhibited in the high quality of work they produced throughout their years of service to the K9 Program..
Committee members agreed that this honor is for retired K9 teams; that the team would have had to work 5 years together; to have performed at a level of excellence for a long time, including numerous great deeds with a “never give up” attitude; and if a dog loses it’s life in the performance of their duties.
Our Hall of Fame members are:
Sgt. Wade Labrecque and K-9 Andre – Burlington PD (2007-2015)
- 2-Time VT Police K-9 Team of the Year (2009, 2012).
- 4-time VT Police K-9 Drug Team of the Year (2008-2010, 2013).
- Vt Police K-9 Patrol Team of the Year (2012).
- Co-VT Police K-9 Apprehension Team of the year (2012).
- Seized over 3/4 million dollars in illegal drugs and currency.
- Credited with over 570 drug finds.
- Largest single heroin bust in VT history (9,000 bags in 2013).
- 3 on-duty apprehensions.
- President of VT Police K-9 Association (2012-present).
Sgt. Matthew Prouty and K-9 King Otto – Rutland City PD
- Vt, Police K-9 Team of the Year (2007 w/ K-9 King Riley).
- Vt. Police K-9 Patrol Team of the Year (2006 w/ K-9 King Riley).
- Vt. Police K-9 Apprehension of the Year (2011 w/ K-9 King Otto).
- Vt. Police K-9 Public Service Award (2010).
- Iron Dog Competition Winner (2005).
Sgt. Moe Lamothe and K-9 JC – VSP (2003-2009)
- 2-Time VT Police K-9 Patrol Team of the Year (2006 and 2009).
- VT Police K-9 Lifesaving Award (2008).
- One of the premiere patrol teams of their era and the Vermont State Police TSU primary patrol unit throughout their career.
- Excelled at deploying in tactical situations and brought these applications to the forefront for the K-9 program.
- Numerous high profile tracking finds including a lifesaving track of a suicidal subject who shot himself in the chest with a handgun and fled, a 2.5 mile and 3 hours long find of a burglary suspect, a find of an escapee from jail and a 1 mile find of two burglars resulting in numerous arrests made.
- Numerous criminal apprehensions including a bank robber suspect who was located in his vehicle 10 hours after the crime. The suspect attempted to run, but after obseving K-9 JC in a sit watch barking and growling, he surrendered immediately.
- Numerous drug finds including over 100 pounds of marijuana.
Andrew “Andy” Holbrook (non handler category)
For most of Andy’s 25 year tenure at the academy he has been assigned to the Vermont Police K-9 Program. He has been under the direction of all three Head K-9 Trainers, past and present. Andy has performed a myriad of tasks for the K-9 program including maintaining the K-9 house and vehicles and assisting K-9 teams during training scenarios. Andy completes every task given with persistence and without complaint despite daily personal challenges. Andy has met most of the hundreds of police K-9 teams that have been a part of the program since its inception in 1979 and his commitment to the Vermont Police K-9 Program is second to none.
Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2009).
Sgt. Eric Albright and K-9 Luca – VSP (2000-2008)
- 2-Time VT Police K-9 Team of the Year (2004 and 2005).
- Vermont State Police Director’s Award for outstanding performance in the field of drug interdiction.
- Seized over one million dollars in currency and hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs.
- Vermont Counsel on Substance Abuse Award for outstanding enforcement efforts in drug detection / apprehension.
- 1st place team in first VT Iron Dog Competition.
- VCJTC K-9 Committee Member
- VT Police K-9 Program Instructor.
Cpl. Tom Radford and K-9 Stoney – Burlington PD (2000-2008)
- 3-Time VT Police K-9 Team of the Year (2004, 2005, and 2006).
- 3-Time VT Police K-9 Drug Team of the Year (2000, 2003, and 2007).
- 3-Time BPD Distinguished Service Award (2006, 2007, and 2008).
- 2 Lifesaving Awards (2005 and 2006).
- VVMA Lifetime Achievement Award (2007).
- VT Police K-9 record 1,010 Drug Finds, Seized Over One Million Dollars in Illegal Drugs and Currency.
- Founded VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2007).
Sgt. Todd Protzman and K-9 Max – VSP (1999-2007).
Outstanding police K-9 team known for high risk involvements. Tracked attempted murderer in 2000. K-9 Max air scented about 100 feet from the suspect, allowing Protzman and his backup officer to take cover. The suspect committed suicide 2 hours later. SAR 11 hour find of 3 lost canoeists with hypothermia in 2001 in extremely difficult terrain. In 2001 K-9 Max had a building search find of 2 burglary suspects hiding in a ceiling and in 2005 located a fugitive from Florida in a basement. In 2002 K-9 Max and another K-9 team tracked bank robbers and Max located the bank bag, ski masks and the dye-stained money. In 2007 K-9 Max tracked 2 burglars for 1.5 miles through difficult, mountainous terrain and found evidence solving a rash of burglaries. VT Police K-9 Apprehension of the Year (2007). Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Chief Chris Morrell and K-9 Doc – Hinesburg PD (1997-2006)
- 27 Year Police K-9 Handler with 5 different K-9s.
- VVMA Service Dog of the Year (2002).
- National Lifesaving Award (2006).
- VT Police K-9 Public Service Award (2006).
- 3 Lifesaving tracks including a suicidal subject found unconscious with a lethal dose of medication, a suicidal subject who had a knife and surrendered upon being found, and an Alzheimer’s patient who had escaped from a nursing home on a rainy night.
- Nationally recognized in Police K-9 Magazine.
Chief Rick Cloud and K-9 Tazz, Chester PD (1998-2006)
VT Police K-9 Tracking Team of the Year (2001). K-9 Tazz known as “go to” tracking dog during his career. 4 Lifesaving tracks including a 4 year old found hanging on a ledge, an Alzheimer’s patient and a subject who had fallen through ice and was found on shore nearby with hypothermia. K-9 Tazz tracked a suicidal subject with a gun at Mad River Glenn Ski Area. The subject threatened officers on 3 separate occasions, but was deterred by K-9 Tazz and eventually relinquished the gun. K-9 Tazz assisted in the apprehension of a suicidal and threatening subject with a razor blade who put down the weapon when confronted by Tazz. Numerous tracking finds including 3 escapees from Windsor Prison.
Inducted K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Ofc. Dave Dewey and K-9 Kilo – Winooski PD\Colchester PD (1999-2006)
- VVMA Hero Dog Hall of Fame (2004).
- VT Police K-9 Patrol Team of the Year (2005).
- Credited with 8 Criminal Apprehensions.
- SAR Tracking find in 2002 of a mentally challenged 11 year old on a cold night.
- Drug finds include 404 bags of heroin and a pound of cocaine.
- VT Police canine Association President.
- Iron Dog Competition Organizer.
Corporal Ed Hunter and K-9 Xerxes – VSP (1996-2004)
- VT Police K-9 Team of the Year (2000 and 2002).
- VT Police K-9 Drug Team of the Year (1999).
- VT Police K-9 Patrol Team of the Year (2007 with K-9 Maximus).
- Two Lifesaving Awards (2002).
- VT Police Meritorious Service Award (2002).
- VVMA Hero Dog Hall of Fame (2003).
- Credited with a VT Police record 201 tracking finds with 3 K-9s.
- VT Police K-9 Association Treasurer.
- Previous Organizer of Iron Dog Competition.
Mike Glodgett and K-9 Onde – Newport PD (1994-2004)
- Vermont Police K-9 Team of the Year.
- Confiscated over 700 pounds of marijuana, 400 bags of heroin, 150 ecstasy pills, and more than $430,000 in drug money.
- Numerous high-risk tracking finds including an armed bank robber, an armed convenience store robber and a suspect who escaped from a police cruiser.
- Numerous long distance tracking finds including a 4.5 mile find of an escapee, a 2.5 mile find of a drug suspect and a 2 mile find of two missing juveniles.
- Credited with several criminal apprehensions (bites) that saved officers and citizens from possible injuries or worse.
Retired Sgt. (present head K-9 Trainer) Bob Ryan and K-9 Max – Barre City PD (1989-1999)
- 25 year K-9 Handler with 4 different K-9s.
- VT Police K-9 Head Trainer since 2004.
- SAR find of a woman with hypothermia (1991).
- Assist in locating escapee from Windsor Prison (1993).
- Responsible for the apprehension of many wanted and missing people.
- Numerous finds of illegal drugs and money including $14,000 seizure.
Retired Sgt. Fred Busch – VSP (1973-1997)
Sgt. Busch is considered the founder of the Vermont Police K-9 Program. He set the foundation for the program when he took his K-9 Lancer to Connecticut to certify him in this state in 1973 since Vermont, at the time, did not have a police K-9 program. Sgt. Busch worked Lancer in the late 1970s becoming the first VT police K-9 head trainer in 1979. In this first patrol class he certified his second dog, Saber, this time in Vermont, under his own direction. Sgt. Busch remained in this position until 1997 and still has an influence on the program today due to his legendary teachings. Sgt. Busch is credited with certifying nearly 100 police K-9 teams. Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Sgt. Tom Jacques and K-9 Caesar – VSP (1989-1997)
- VT Police K-9 Team of the Year (1991).
- VT State House of Representatives K-9 Awareness Award ( 1993).
- Humane Society Volunteer K-9 Instructor of the Year Award (1994).
- VT State Police Combat Cross (1997).
- Six lifesaving tracking finds including an 84 year old female lost for hours in the freezing cold (1990), a hunter lost for five hours (1992), and a missing girl who was in epileptic seizure and shock on a mountainside when found by Caesar (1995).
- Six criminal apprehensions including a suspect who charged at officers with a knife (1993) and a mentally challenged suspect who shot at officers with a revolver before being subdued by Caesar (1997).
- Numerous tracking finds of criminals including a 42 hour old track of a burglary suspect (1992) and a 9 mile track of a burglary suspect (1997).
- Numerous drug finds with over 50 pounds of illegal drugs seized and thousands of dollars in drug money and property seized.
Sgt. Russell Robinson and K-9 Major – VSP (1987-1997)
On August 20, 1997, K-9 Major saved numerous law enforcement lives when he air scented Carl Drega, who had just murdered 4 people in New Hampshire including two NH State Troopers. The tactical team that K-9 Major was leading, walking down a remote location in Vermont, was about to walk into an ambush that Drega had set up. In a shootout at this location, several officers were wounded and Drega was killed. Received Lifesaving Awards, Combat Cross, K-9 of the Year Award, Citizen of the Year Award, State of New Hampshire Meritorious Award, and U.S. Department of Justice Award. Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).
Sgt. Gary Genova – VSP
In 1988, Sgt. Genova was assigned to the VT Police K-9 Unit, became an Assistant K-9 Instructor in 1992 and head K-9 Trainer in 1996. Sgt. Genova is credited with training and certifying over 100 Police K-9 teams throughout VT and New England during his 16 years of dedicated service to the program. Known as an innovative trainer, Sgt. Genova is credited with advancing the program in Patrol Tactics and SAR. Sgt. Genova is a co-founder of the VT Police K-9 Association and has handled two K-9 partners: K-9 Buck, a German Shepherd, certified in Patrol and Narcotics Detection and K-9 Corey, a Labrador Retriever, certified in Explosives Detection.
- 1990 – Letter of Recognition, Addision Cty. Sheriff’s Dept., with K-9 Buck, capture of escaped prisoner.
- 1991 – VT State Police Directors Award for Bravery, with K-9 Buck, apprehending an armed individual.
- 1992 – Recognition for Heroic Actions, VT Police Association, with K-9 Buck.
- 1993 – Letter of Recognition, Middlebury Police Dept., with K-9 Buck, capture of armed robbery suspect.
- 1993 – VT Police K-9 Team of the Year, with K-9 Buck.
- 1999 – Letter of Recognition, Bishop Kenneth A. Angell, Burlington, VT, with K-9 Corey.
- 1999-2004 – K-9 Training Coordinator for the Quebec Provincial Police.
- 2004 – Certificate of Appreciation, VT Police K-9 Association, Outstanding Instruction, Unsurpassed Dedication and Exemplary Leadership.
- 2007 – VT Police K-9 Dedicated Service Award.
Retired Cpl. Roy Holton – VSP (1979-1992)
Police K-9 Handler/4 Police K-9s (Ted, Midnight, Rocky, Will) Served the VT Police K-9 Program from 1979-1992.
- Tracking find of kidnapper/robber (Cavendish) in mid 1980s.
- Tracking find of “Ski Pole Murderer” (Newfane) in late 1980s.
- 1st VT Police K-9 Program Assistant Trainer with Sgt. Busch.
- 1st certified VT Police K-9 Drug Handler with K-9 Ted.
- Considered Fred Busch’s “Right Hand Man”.
- Known as Police K-9 Behavior Problem Solver.
Retired Sgt. Linda Jones Elrick – Rutland City PD
Sgt. Elrick has dedicated over 27 years to the VT Police K-9 Program, starting with her graduation from the Fifth Basic Patrol Dog School with K-9 Christopher in 1981. In 1984, Sgt. Elrick and K-9 Christopher graduated from the First Basic Narcotics Detection Dog School. She has been a member of the Vermont Criminal Justice Training Council’s K-9 Committee since April 1985 and continues her work on the committee today as the most senior member. Sgt. Elrick’s historical knowledge and tireless dedication is a testament to her passion for the VT Police K-9 Program. Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008),
Retired Col. Tom Powlovich and K-9 Cheyenne- VSP (1980-1986)
On August 12, 1983, Powlovich and Cheyenne were dispatched to Vergennes to assist on a report of an armed suspect who had fired shots and was now on foot traveling towards the school. Officers located the suspect who was still armed. The suspect pulled a handgun from his pants and ran when confronted. Powlovich sent Cheyenne after the suspect. the suspect, who had taken a position around a trailer, was distracted by charging Cheyenne and took aim and shot him. The suspect then fired on Powlovich and a Vergennes officer. They returned fire and fatally shot the suspect. Powlovich said the actions of Cheyenne saved his life and potentially the lives of two other officers. Cheyenne was shot in the shoulder, later recovered and worked three more years as a police K-9. Vermont State Police Combat Cross (1983). Inducted VT Police K-9 Hall of Fame (2008).