Massachusetts State Police, Fall River Police K9s graduate from training in Bridgewater

BRIDGEWATER—Seven new working dogs and their handlers were certified yesterday morning as the latest K9 teams on the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office and local public safety agencies.

Four of the new dogs will work with experienced State Police investigators. Three will support fire investigations, while a fourth will work with the Bomb Squad. Three more teams come from the police departments of Fall River, Babson College, and Endicott College.

Fall River Police Detective Joseph Boyajian and his K9 partner, Caide, have successfully completed the intensive 14-week training encompassing explosives and firearms detection conducted by the Massachusetts State Police. With their certification, the team is now fully qualified to support law enforcement operations both locally and throughout the Commonwealth.

This rigorous training prepared the team to detect a wide range of explosive materials, firearms, and ammunition in various environments—including vehicles, buildings, open areas, and packages. Their skills will be instrumental in responding to bomb threats, assessing suspicious packages, and conducting proactive security sweeps at major public gatherings.

K9 Caide, a Labrador Retriever, is specially trained to identify the scent of explosives, firearms, and related chemical compounds. His graduation marks the start of a critical public safety role in service to the community.