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The Fairfield Police Department's current K-9 Unit was started in
1992 with donations received from local businesses and residents. The
Police Department had a K-9 Unit in the late 70's which had been
disbanded. In July 1992, two officers completed training with two patrol
dogs. Patrol dogs are used for criminal apprehension, building searches,
tracking and evidence recovery. The two canine teams have been used successfully in numerous
situations since that time, and have been a tremendous asset to Fairfield and neighboring
communities.
From 1995 through 1999, the unit operated with only one working team. This
team (Lieutenant Steven Gutkin & K-9 Blaze) completed narcotics cross-training and was credited with seizing millions of dollars worth of narcotics and currency associated with its sale and use.
K-9 Blaze was officially retired from active duty on January 25, 1999.
K-9 Blaze was assigned to the Department in April 1992 and trained initially by the Irvington Police Department
for patrol operations. During the latter part of 1995, K-9 Blaze was certified by the Union County Sheriff's Office
as a narcotics detection K-9.
During his career, K-9 Blaze was credited with 15 criminal apprehensions and the
seizure of more than $45 million in narcotics, currency and related contraband. He is credited with having one of
New Jersey's largest cocaine seizures and received extensive regional media exposure following this incident.
K-9 Blaze and Lt. Gutkin were also part of the DEA's northern New Jersey enforcement team and
were utilized on many occasions during the last few years.
In addition to his extensive criminal work, K-9 Blaze was enormously popular with area
children and helped the Police Department forge a better relationship with the community.
His presence alone at numerous scenes helped prevent officers from getting into physical confrontations,
and quelled many disturbances.
Following retirement, K-9 Blaze was turned over to Deputy Chief Gutkin and remained as his personal pet until he passed away in 2002.
The Police Department is planning to replace K-9 Blaze with another dog who will be handled
by a Patrol Division officer later this year.
For additional information contact Deputy Chief Steven Gutkin via
K-9 Unit email
© 2008 Fairfield Police Department. All rights reserved.
K-9 Unit
K-9 Blaze Retires...
