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Simsbury Police Department welcomes a new breed of officer


Officer Jamie Ball And K9 Officer Clifton Are Part Of The Simsbury Police Department's community relations efforts.

By Paul Palmer

Staff Writer

SIMSBURY – The Simsbury Police has joined a growing club of law enforcement departments that are redefining what it means to have a police K9 unit. In October, the department welcomed Officer Clifton – age 21 months – as the first ever K9 on the department. But his role is probably not what you think of when someone says police dog. The traditional dogs are usually German Shepherds trained in detection and apprehension. Clifton is a Labrador retriever trained as a service and wellness dog. He knows more than 40 commands and is used to bring police and the community they serve closer together.

Clifton’s partner is Officer Jamie Ball, a 20-year police veteran who has served as Simsbury’s Community Officer for the last 9 years.

“Clifton’s not trained to search for people or drugs or as a bite/patrol dog. He doesn’t go in apprehend suspects. He’s kind of a newer philosophy in the last few years. It really broke out in the last 18 months in the state,” said Ball.

It is also a new role for Ball, as he has never been a K9 officer before.

“For me in a 20-year career this has been the highlight of it. To implement a program like this that has never been able to get through before is a big accomplishment,” Ball stated. “But at the end of the day as excited as I am for that accomplishment, I’m just the lucky leash holder.”

One of Clifton’s responsibilities is to help officers deal with the stress they take on each day. Recently Ball and Clifton spent about 3 hours at the Bristol Police Headquarters meeting with the co-workers of two officers who were slain in an ambush shooting.

“We were probably down there about 3 hours just to be there for the officers, not to talk about the incident, but just to let some of their officers and dispatchers interact with him. I heard a few of their officers and dispatchers say ‘this is the first time we have smiled in a week,’” Ball said.


Officer Clifton On PAWTROL

Officer Clifton – and he does have a badge and is considered a member of the department – can be part of the crime victims support services as well as peer support for the officers. “We (officers) go to daily things like car accidents where people are injured or to domestic violence calls or things where a child is subjected to abuse things like that where it is hard when you have your own family and children," Ball said. “You come out of there and every day we pack a little of that away, push it into the back of our minds and hope it doesn’t resurface. They get that stress off their minds and relax a little bit and reset themselves.”

Getting Clifton was a nearly 2-year project that Ball spearheaded. The yellow lab came from Canine Companions – a nonprofit that started by training dogs for service work but has branched out training and providing dogs for veterans with PTSD and now police departments that are looking for these specific kids of dogs. Ball said the cost of getting a dog like Clifton and all his training is about $50,000, but Canine Companions donates the animals and training for free to departments. The only expense incurred are for things like kennels for the dogs to rest in, food, vet bills and alike. Ball says that a local Tractor Supply donated two kennels for Clifton - one for the office and one for home.

“I’ve given some presentations for donations,” Ball said. “The town is covering startup costs, but realistically we want to get donations to support the program. It’s for the community by the community.”

Simsbury was on a 14-month waiting list to get a dog like Clifton. The process for the dogs themselves are just as intensive as the screening for the departments and handlers. Canine Companions breeds all of its own labs, and at 8 weeks, the dogs go to puppy raisers around the country. For 13 months they’re socialized in all kinds of settings to expose them too as much as possible. If they pass that test, it’s back to Canine Companions where their professional dog trainers handle them for 6-8 months to learn the commands for assistance. It is at that point, the officer who will be paired with the dog is invited to team training and for 2 weeks they are taught how to properly handle the dog.

In securing Clifton, Ball says he had to do a lot of convincing because the department had never had any K9 Unit and some were not sure they even needed one. Ball says most people immediately thought he wanted to get the traditional police dog, but he had a completely different idea.

“Our Chief had never heard of it so I had to pitch it to him. I put together presentation for him and a power point presentation for our administrators and we just had an open dialogue for a few months.” Over the summer Ball and Chief Nick Boulter were at an event where several other departments had their service and wellness dogs. Once Boulter saw the interaction between them and the public and how well trained the dogs were, Ball says he gave his approval.

Although he’s been on the force less than a month, Clifton is already one of the most popular officers in the building. Ball said that just walking into or out of the building or down the halls at the Simsbury Town Hall, folks all know Clifton and want to stop and say hello. He even has his own Instagram page (K9Clifton_Simsburypd) for people to meet him and the other dogs serving at many of the departments around the state. It is that kind of approachability that the Community Relations officer wants to build across Simsbury. “Somebody who may be apprehensive to approach a police officer or may not know how to engage a police officer, now they can start interacting with him, he’s that ice breaker,” Ball said.” Next thing you know they are talking with the dog and then talking with the police officer.”

He has also made a big impression on his boss, Chief Boulter.

“Clifton has jumped right into service," Boulter said. "Within his first week, he put smiles on faces through town at events such as the Senior Center Fashion Show. People heard about him and randomly came to the department to see him.”

The plan is to go to schools and groups in town as well as library reading hours, concerts, and any of the other public service/community relations events the department has traditionally had and now include Officer Clifton.

Clifton will enhance our opportunities regarding relationships, education, emotional support, conflict resolution and investigations.

“Clifton will enhance our opportunities regarding relationships, education, emotional support, conflict resolution and investigations,”said Chief Boulter.

When he’s not on the job, Clifton lives with Ball on a small farm where he enjoys the company of horses and other dogs. The service time for a dog like Clifton is 8-10 years and Canine Companions and Ball are constantly evaluating Clifton and together will make any decision on when it is time to retire him. “Once we both agree he has reached the end of his working service life he will be retired and I’ll have first refusal for taking him in to be my own pet. We are creating a bond and by that time our bond will be so strong that of course I‘ll want to keep him.”

Until that time, Ball knows that his job and that of his partner is vital not only to the people of Simsbury, but also to the members of the police department.

“I can let an officer go and cry it out with Clifton. He can talk with Clifton and we know that Clifton is not going to go tell the Chief and that makes the officers feel more comfortable. They can get that out and go back out to do their job without carrying that extra weight.”


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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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