K9 Broko – Connecticut State Police

Died – 12/21/23

K9 killed in Stonington officer-involved shooting

Video – escort – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1817435065351706

A Connecticut State Police dog died Thursday night and a person was injured as a result of an officer-involved shooting on Mechanic Street in Pawcatuck.The incident happened at about 7:30 p.m. when police tried to serve a felony warrant out of Norwich at a residence near the intersection with Palmer Street across from the former Yardney mill.“K9 Broko courageously gave his life protecting his handler, fellow troopers, and our community,” Connecticut State Police Interim Col. Daniel Loughman said in a statement Friday morning.Police also reported serious injuries as a result of the incident. Residents on social media said the suspect shot at police first, but several details have not been confirmed.On a video posted to the Pawcatuck Community Forum by user Deije Ahearn, a state trooper can be heard loudly saying through the bullhorn “Vaughn Malloy, this is state police with a warrant. Come to the front door with your hands up and nothing in your hands!”The name could not be immediately confirmed, but a Vaughn T. Malloy, whose last known address was 401 Thames St. in Norwich, has two active warrants that were issued in May 2022, one for several motor vehicle infractions and failure to appear in court, and the other for evading responsibility, operating a motor vehicle with a suspended license and second-degree failure to appear.Immediately after the trooper’s calls through the bullhorn, residents in the area reported that a flurry of gunshots were heard. According to published reports, state police confirmed that one person was taken to L+M Hospital in New London with serious injuries, but it was unclear early Friday whether the injuries were sustained by an officer or the suspect.Police said there is no ongoing threat to the public, and the Office of the Inspector General has been notified.Broko was a graduate of the 218th Connecticut State Police Patrol K9 Class in January 2021 and was a member of the Connecticut State Police Search and Rescue team. The dog and his handler were assigned to Troop A in Southbury and most recently to the Connecticut State Police K9 Unit.“K9 Broko heroically served with unwavering dedication, saving lives by locating missing individuals, apprehending dangerous suspects, and providing a steadfast shield to his handler. K9 Broko ultimately sacrificed his life doing what he was known best for,” the statement continued. Broko “was not just a loyal companion; he was a hero in every sense, embodying the values of courage, loyalty, selflessness, and the highest standards of the Connecticut State Police. His sacrifice will forever be etched in our hearts, and never be forgotten.”State Police posted on social media in February 2021 that Broko had received a bullet and stab protective vest through a charitable donation from non-profit organization Vested Interest in K9s, Inc.Early Friday, a procession of State Police and local police vehicles departed from the Stonington police station, providing an escort for the dog.

Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.