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Died 6/4/22
Handler – Officer First Class Ken Wright
Norwich Police K9 Ozzy Dies In Arms Of Partner, Officer Ken Wright
A police K9 is not just a dog but a law enforcement officer, and very often, a hero. And for its police officer handler, a member of the family. So when a K9 passes, it’s devastating for the officer, the police department and the community.Tragically, the Norwich Police Department lost its K9 brother, Ozzy, on Saturday. He suffered a “medical emergency and passed away in the arms of his partner and adoptive father, Officer First Class Ken Wright.”Words of comfort when a loved one dies are difficult to find. The Norwich Police Department shared what Ozzy had contributed to the department, and the community: “Ozzy had over 75 successful deployments that led to the apprehension of suspects, missing people, location of evidence, narcotics and weapons.” But even more, explained just how much Ozzy meant to partner Officer Wright, and all who loved him. “It is with a heavy heart that the Norwich Police Department announces the unexpected and sudden passing of K-9 Officer Ozzy. On June 4th, 2022, Ozzy suffered a medical emergency and passed away in the arms of his partner and adoptive father, Officer First Class Ken Wright.Ozzy began his service with the Norwich Police Department in 2018 after he and Officer Wright completed a very intense and rigorous training course with the Connecticut State Police K-9 Academy. Ozzy and Officer Wright quickly became known as one of the most talented and respected K-9 teams in the State of Connecticut.On June 18th, 2019, Ozzy and Officer Wright apprehended two suspects involved in crimes within a 12 hour time period.In another incident in 2021, a Norwich Police Officer was assaulted during a domestic dispute and the suspect ran from the scene. Ozzy and Officer Wright located the suspect during a track. Ozzy was assaulted by the suspect multiple times during the apprehension but never gave up. Because of Ozzy’s actions, a violent criminal was taken into custody.Ozzy had over 75 successful deployments that led to the apprehension of suspects, missing people, location of evidence, narcotics and weapons.In 2019, Officer Wright and Ozzy were awarded the Stephen F Davis Award for the State of Connecticut K-9 Team of the Year for their amazing hard work and dedication to their job.As many know, Ozzy was just not a Police Officer, he was a part of the family. Officer Wright and his fiancé Ashley loved Ozzy more than anything in the world and was their best friend. Ozzy was a running partner, travel companion and was known as the best cuddler in the house.Ozzy made the world a safer place and protected all of us every single day. We will all miss hearing, “1040 and his partner are on the way”.Ozzy, you will be missed. Rest easy buddy. 10-36.”
