Special Units

Bike Patrol Unit

The Ridgefield Police Department's Bike Patrol Unit strives to enrich community relations and provide tangible public service. We hope to achieve this by creating an atmosphere of safety through interaction with residents, contact with the public while on patrol, and visibility within the community. The members of the Bike Patrol Unit are Lt. Brian Durling, Sgt. John Gogola, Officer Fernando Luis, Officer Jorge Romero, and Officer James Vanwattum.

K-9 Unit - 

Zeus

Zeus, a German Shepherd born and schooled in the Czech Republic came to RPD in 2006. Zeus assisted officers on patrol and his efforts led to many arrests and rescues. Sadly, on May 20, 2014, our Zeus officially retired. Zeus, at ten years old, was forced to retire as a result of a degenerative hip disorder. Zeus served the RPD well during his career in over fifty tracking incidents and over two-hundred and fifty narcotic arrests. Zeus also provided an education to the public over his years of service by performing hundreds of demonstrations highlighting his skills. Zeus will be missed by all the members of the Department but most of all by Lt. Murray who has had such a bond with his partner, Zeus, while on patrol and caring for him in his home. 

On April 15, 2015, due to Zeus' deteriorating health condition, he was euthanized. The Ridgefield Police Department was accompanied by fellow officers, K-9 units, and friends in providing Zeus a final ride though his town as a thank you for his years of service and dedication.

Loki 

On October 30, 2014 the Department acquired their current K-9 - Loki - who was officially sworn in at the March 12, 2015 Police Commission meeting. Loki has retired with Lt. Murray on March 23, 2023. We thank them both for their dedicated service.

Odin

On August 10, 2023 the Department acquired their new K-9 - Odin. After a (3) month training program with his handler Officer McKnight, K-9 Odin graduated December 5, 2023. Now on patrol, K-9 Odin has already assisted with several incidents and will do great things to protect and serve the community. K-9 Odin is a friendly/socialized dog and loves going to work.

Accident Investigation Team

The Ridgefield Police Department's Accident Investigation Team is currently staffed by three police officers trained to various levels in motor vehicle accident investigation and reconstruction. Team members are Lt. Brian Durling, Sergeant Mark Caswell, and Officer James VanWattum. Team members receive extensive training in motor vehicle accident investigation, evidence collection and reconstruction. Team members utilize various articles of equipment including Total Station laser mapping equipment, drag sleds and cameras. The team is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is called out for accidents involving serious injury or fatality.

Child Passenger Safety Team

RPD's Child Passenger Safety Team will inspect and install child restraint systems for residents.  The members of the team are Capt. Jeffrey Smith, Sergeant Christopher DiFalco, and Officer Louis Geller. Click on the link to read about their mission.   Car Seat Flier