A Connecticut State Police K-9 who died earlier this year will be honored by a brewery near his handler's hometown.
Drago, a K-9 who worked out of Troop C in Tolland, was selected in the third annual "label contest" conducted by Provincetown Brewing Co. of Provincetown, Massachusetts. His image will appear on cans of a limited-edition beer from the brewery after receiving more than 3,000 votes in a fundraising drive for the Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter, also located in Provincetown.
The shelter raised just under $24,000 through the label contest, with $10 donations for entries and a $1 donation for each vote cast.
Drago, 6, died July 4 due to medical complications. He began with the Connecticut State Police in 2019, graduating with Trooper Kyle Kaelberer from the 201st Patrol K-9 Class and 219th Narcotics Detection K-9 Class. State police said the two served together on the Tactical Unit and were involved in catching suspects, finding missing persons, and seizing "a large quantity of illicit narcotics."
Kaelberer said Drago was "very popular" throughout Tolland County, and the special can will honor him and his service.
"Having him available to have a memorabilia keepsake, as a little part of him, is awesome," Kaelberer said.
As for the Massachusetts connection, Kaelberer said he grew up in Truro, a small town near Provincetown. He said his law enforcement career began in Provincetown, where he worked as a "summer cop" for a year after graduating from college. He was then hired as a police officer in Enfield before signing on with the Connecticut State Police where he ultimately worked with Drago.
"I would bring (Drago) down to Provincetown on the off-season," Kaelberer said.
Erik Borg of Provincetown Brewing Co. said the coffee pale ale, named Drago's Juice, was brewed specifically for the contest and will be sold out of the brewery's taproom from the keg or in 32-ounce "Crowler" cans while supplies last.
"When (Kaelberer) was there on Sunday for the label unveiling and he spoke about Drago and Drago's history, he referred to Provincetown Brewing Co. as his hometown brewery," Borg said. "I think it was really fitting for what turned out to be a memorial to Drago."
Kaelberer said he is also pleased that Drago's memory was able to help the Carrie A. Seaman Animal Shelter, a volunteer no-kill shelter that serves the Cape Cod region.
"Me and my wife have rescued two dogs," Kaelberer said. "It definitely means a lot for us on a personal level."
Sherry Brec, president of the shelter, said the competition is likely its largest annual fundraiser and gave her thanks for Kaelberer's participation.
"He thought that would be a fitting tribute," Brec said.
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