Newtown police officer Matt Hayes was pounced on — latched onto, in fact — and bitten by dog after dog on October 6. It was all for educational entertainment as Ofc Hayes played the role of the bad guy in the suspect apprehension portion of the fourth annual Western Connecticut Police K-9 Challenge, on the grounds of the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard at Fairfield Hills. The event, which is held to support the Governors Second Company Horse Guard, features police departments from around the state and helps inform the public of how police K-9s are used.

Although for a good cause, no good deed goes unpunished, and Ofc Hayes can attest to that. While the performance was just for show, Ofc Hayes had some bruises to show. The protective suit may have prevented him from being mauled, but it did not stop him from having a few reminders of those bites while the K-9s were directed by their police handlers.

“It’s fun; I like it. Some people like roller coasters. I like this,” said Ofc Hayes, who assists not only Newtown’s but also other area police departments in K-9 training.

Being attacked by dogs may not sound like some people’s idea of fun, but Ofc Hayes has served in the military and was injured by a bomb, so what is a little dog bite?

Ofc Hayes, whose service includes time in Iraq as a member of the military police with the Connecticut Army National Guard, was also recognized by Jane Dougherty, Connecticut State Coordinator for Quilts of Valor, and presented with a quilt. The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing quilts.

“This event is put on to help showcase the police K-9 units, but everyone’s here to help support the horses for the Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard here in Newtown,” said Major James Marrinan, of the Horse Guard.

The event was sponsored by Hometown Foods and Newtown Kennel Club.

Among the police dogs and handler combinations showing their work was that off Aris and handler Ofc Figol.

“I think it brings a lot of different organizations together for the Newtown community. It’s a good day for the Newtown K-9s,” said Ofc Figol, who organized the suspect apprehension event.

Ofc Hayes said that when and if the town approves a second police dog, he hopes to be the handler.

“The main goal is to get donations for the Horse Guard. We’re more or less the show, and we’re giving a little education on what the dogs can do,” Ofc Hayes said of the event.

The Officer Stephen Ketchum Top Dog Award went to State Police Trooper First Class Ed Anuszewski with his bloodhound, Texas. He is a past trooper with the Horse Guard, and he is based with the Southbury State Troopers.

There were other demonstrations and a fastest dog competition. Fairfield County Police Pipes and Drums performed. Games were offered for children, and attendees of all ages to got to meet the horses and feed them carrots provided by Horse Guard representatives.