American Legion Post 202 recently recognized and thanked Newtown Police Officer Felicia Figol and her K-9 partner Aris for the continuing service they have provided to the people of Newtown.

Past American Legion Post 202 Commander and current Danbury Fire Department Lieutenant Nicholas Cabral also attended and was recognized for his service and contribution to the American Legion.

The original purpose of the visit during the local post’s May 1 meeting was a request by Officer Figol so that she and Aris could say thank you to the members of the American Legion for their support during a very difficult time. The American Legion members were among those who made financial contributions to offset the cost of surgery to address a very serious medical condition experienced by Aris.

Newtown PD’s K-9 suffered a life-threatening emergency while preparing for training on April 2. Fortunately his handler, Officer Felicia Figol, was able to get him into emergency surgery for gastric dilation and volculus, a condition where the stomach becomes twisted in dogs with large chests. It is reportedly a condition common to working dogs of his size.

The condition can be extremely painful and can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated quickly.

According to a post on the Newtown Police Department Facebook page, Aris’s “stomach flipped and twisted, blocking his upper and lower tract and pinching his spleen. The corrective surgery he had was to relieve the stomach gas with a catheter, returning the stomach to normal.” The gastropexy, the post also noted, “should prevent that from ever occurring again.”

Residents were invited to send cards and notes to Figol and Aris, and this town responded. Aris returned to work the week of April 15.

In addition to being recognized by the American Legion members, Hearts of Hope-Newtown President Diane Sarna recognized all three for their service to our community as did Rena Dobrydnio. The Post 202 Membership Chair, Dobrydnio gifted Aris a bag of homemade dog biscuits made by the high school students at Newtown Community Center’s Better Day Café.