Hamden PD K-9 Officer Hunter Has Passed Away

The Hamden Police Department has announced that canine Officer Hunter, has died.

In the announcement released this week, Hunter died suddenly on Feb. 20 of pneumonia. K-9 “Hunter” and his partner, Officer Craig Appleby, have served with the Hamden Police Department K-9 Unit since May 2007.

Hunter was born on May 30, 2005 in Hungary. He was imported to the United States as a police dog candidate and was subsequently purchased from Renbar Kennels in New Milford. 

Appleby and Hunter completed the K-9 Academy, which was sponsored by the Hamden Police Department, on May 15, 2007. The team most recently were assigned to the Patrol Division day shift. Hunter was well-known throughout the community for the numerous K-9 demonstrations he performed for local students and civic organizations. He also was known for his ability to locate illegal drugs and track criminal suspects. 

In their statement, "The Hamden Police Department would like to thank Dr. Mullin of the Guilford Veterinary Hospital and Dr. Crosby of the Central Veterinary Hospital for all of their efforts to save this faithful and loyal protector." 

Anyone wishing to aid in the purchase of a new police dog may send donations to the Hamden Police Department, in care of the K-9 Unit. The department held a memorial service for Hunter on March 12.