Cranston Police Department Introduces New K-9 Vehicles Funded by Grant Secured by Rep. Magaziner

CRANSTON, RI - Today, U.S. Representative Seth Magaziner (RI-02) joined the Cranston Police Department and local leaders to celebrate the arrival of newly upgraded K-9 vehicles purchased with federal funding Rep. Magaziner secured through Congress' appropriations process.

The funding enabled the department to acquire four specialty vehicles designed to safely transport canines and their handlers. The new vehicles will support three patrol dogs and one therapy dog who assist with search-and-rescue missions for missing children and vulnerable individuals, property searches, narcotics detection, and other critical public safety operations.

The new fleet replaces aging vehicles and includes vehicles equipped with emergency lighting, sirens, patrol technology systems, and fire suppression devices designed specifically to protect officers and K-9 units. Today's event marks the final arrival and deployment of the new K-9 fleet.

"Local law enforcement officers and their canine partners work hard every day to keep Cranston safe, and they deserve the tools and support to do their jobs," said Magaziner. "I am proud to have secured federal funding for these upgraded K-9 vehicles, which will help the Cranston Police Department protect and serve Rhode Islanders.

"These new K-9 vehicles are an essential addition to our law enforcement capabilities, allowing us to enhance our response times and effectiveness in various critical situations," Mayor Ken Hopkins said. "The safety and well-being of our residents are of utmost importance, and these vehicles will play a vital role in ensuring that Cranston remains a safe community for all. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to Representative Magaziner for his continued support for Cranston in securing the federal funding necessary for this procurement."

"The Cranston Police Department is grateful to Congressman Magaziner for securing this important federal funding. These upgraded vehicles will enhance the safety of our officers and K-9 partners while ensuring we can continue providing critical services to the residents of Cranston," said Colonel Michael J. Winquist, Chief of Police. "Our K-9 teams play a vital role in keeping the community safe, and this investment helps us support their mission with the best equipment available."

The Cranston Police Department's K-9 unit includes Officer Zach Burns and K-9 Beny, Officer Jason Dagnese and K-9 Tyr, Officer Michael Rocchio and K-9 Odin, and Shane Odonnell and K-9 Czar. The unit also includes a therapy dog, CALI, who provides comfort and support to young victims of abuse in partnership with Hasbro Children's Hospital.

Rep. Magaziner secured federal funding for the upgraded vehicles as part of the FY24 appropriations process. The funding was announced in March of last year.