Harry Vega, 82, a retired Meriden police officer who, used his own time and money, led the department’s use of police dogs. During his two decades in the Meriden Police Department, Vega trained at least four police dogs for the department, and was a handler to three of them. One of his K9 partners was killed in the line of duty. He joined the city’s police force on Feb. 1, 1966, and served in the department until he retired in July 1986. The Meriden Police Department K9 program is rich with history and began as a result of his efforts. Vega began training police dogs in the late 1960s and early ’70s. He partnered with three dogs, Ceasar, Kemo and Wolf. “He utilized his own funds and time to start the K9 program at the Meriden Police Department. Vega received “numerous awards and citations” for his service, which included community demonstrations with Kemo. Unfortunately, on April 17, 1976, K9 Ceasar was killed in the line of duty while in the performance of his duties. Ceasar was later awarded a medal of valor from the National Police Officers Association and was inducted into the National Police Hall of Fame. Contributions can be made in his memory to the Meriden Police K9 unit.
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