Burlington police officer and Castleton alum Trent Martin ’00 of Milton, Vt. was recently named one of two K-9 Teams of the Year for the state of Vermont, along with his K-9 partner Capone.
Each year the Vermont Police Canine Association honors K-9 teams from across the region for their constant hard work and dedication while on duty. The award gives the association a chance to highlight the daily hard work these teams do.
“It’s a great honor,” said Martin. “There are over forty K-9 teams in the state, and we had some great competition.”
Together the duo has helped crack numerous large cases this year in the Burlington area.
Seven-year-old Capone is a German shepherd rescue dog, who joined Officer Martin and the police force at the age of one. He is utilized as a dual-purpose K-9 specializing in narcotics sniffing, tracking fugitives and patrol work.
Martin and Capone previously earned the title of K-9 Team of the Year several years ago, as well as K-9 Detection Team of the Year.
Even when they are not on patrol, the crime fighting companions are never far apart. Capone lives full-time in the Martin residents, alongside Trent, his wife and two young daughters.
“It’s a very, very strong bond,” said Martin about his relationship with Capone. “He’s part of the family.”