NYPD Officers and K-9s Honored for Paris Olympics Security

Four NYPD officers, alongside their bomb-detection dogs, were recognized for their critical role in overseeing safety during the Paris Olympic Games. The ceremony, held at the French consulate in Manhattan, highlighted their efforts in protecting the international event.

Officers Rafael De La Cruz, Michael Finamore, Detectives Nick Velez, and Andrew Barron, received distinguished service awards for their work with their K-9 partners—Davie, Gunner, Rico, and Vito. These specially trained dogs were tasked with patrolling the Olympic venues to detect explosives and ensure the safety of over 15,000 athletes and 11 million spectators.

NYPD officers and their K9s receive awards — Michael Finamore and his dog Gunner (who passed away), Andrew Barron and his dog Vito, Nicholas Velez and his dog Rico, Rafael De La Cruz and his dog Davie received awards.

The deployment focused on identifying chemical compounds related to explosives, with dogs trained to recognize specific odors and associate them with toys for detection accuracy. The effort was vital as French authorities sought additional support from international law enforcement to cover all Olympic sites, given the large-scale security challenges.

NYPD officer and K9 in Paris near the Eiffel Tower — The NYPD K-9 teams patrolled the grounds in Paris, ensuring security during the Olympic Games.

Though honored, not all pups were present; Gunner, who died earlier this year, was remembered fondly by his handler, Det. Velez. The officers expressed deep sadness over the loss but took pride in their contribution to a successful event.

To foster ongoing international cooperation, the NYPD maintains collaboration with several overseas agencies, including London, Madrid, INTERPOL, and EUROPOL. Such exchanges involve sharing intelligence and best practices, strengthening global security efforts.

Deputy Commissioner Rebecca Weiner emphasized the significance of showcasing NYPD’s specialized capabilities on the global stage, viewing the event as a milestone in the partnership between the NYPD and French law enforcement.