Burlington Police K-9 Havoc sports some of his protective gear he uses on the job. (Photo courtesy of the Burlington Police Department) 
(Photo courtesy of the Burlington Police Department)
BURLINGTON — Chief Michael Kent would like to announce the retirement of a valued member of the department.
Burlington Police K-9 Havoc’s last shift will be Saturday, February 15th, a special day for both Havoc and his handler, Officer Joseph Papsedero. That was the date in 2010 when Officer Papsedero and Boston Police Department Master K-9 Trainer Troy Caisey picked the then 10-month-old, Slovakian-born German Shepherd from a number of other dogs at Connecticut Canine Services.
“This will give him exactly 10 years of service with us” Papsedero said. “Not many K-9s have such a long, and in my opinion, distinguished career”.
Over the last decade Havoc, a holder of multiple national certifications as both a patrol and narcotics detection K-9, has been deployed hundreds of times in Burlington and the surrounding communities. Havoc is also a long time member of the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council (NEMLEC) Regional Response Team’s K-9 Unit and participated in many major incidents.
“This is a well deserved retirement”, Chief Kent said. “You couldn’t ask for a better employee. All of us at the Burlington Police Department wish K-9 Havoc the best”.
K-9 Havoc will live with the Papsedero family in his retirement. Officer Papsedero said he’s looking forward to this next phase with Havoc, his partner and best friend.
“I would like for him to spend some time just being a dog, he has earned that and much more” he said.
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