2015 -- H 6310

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

HONORING SGT. MATTHEW ZARRELLA ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT

FROM THE RHODE ISLAND STATE POLICE

     Introduced By: Representatives Giarrusso, Craven, Costa, and Reilly

     Date Introduced: June 11, 2015

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, In the words of Matt Zarrella, "I believe that God put me on Earth to work

with animals and help my fellow human beings." And for the past twenty-five years, he has been

doing exactly that and the people of Rhode Island and across the nation have reaped the rewards

of his dedication; and

     WHEREAS, The powerfully built former Marine, who emanates confidence, focus, and

stamina has been on the job with the Rhode Island State Police for the past two and a half

decades. Twenty years ago, Matt, also known as the "Dog Whisperer" along with his dog

Hannibal, were called to assist in a search and rescue for a teenager lost in Rhode Island's woods;

and

     WHEREAS, Matt had already been involved in Search & Rescue and K-9 training since

1991, and had trained Hannibal for just this type of mission. Matt and Hannibal found the injured

boy and their successful rescue launched the beginning of Hannibal's career as a police dog and

Matt's as a trainer of search and rescue dogs for the State Police; and

     WHEREAS, Matt created the first Canine Search & Rescue standards for the Rhode

Island State Police and the State of Rhode Island, and has handled and trained K-9 teams in

human remains detection, wilderness, disaster, water, trailing, and article search. The state's

canine force now includes seventeen handlers and seventeen specialized dogs; and

     WHEREAS, In addition, Matt has conducted missing person's searches for local, state

and federal law enforcement agencies, the United States Peace Corps, and the United States

Military, often traveling to various countries such as Vietnam, Colombia, and Bolivia, to work

missing persons and missing in action military personnel cases with his canines; and

     WHEREAS, The four-legged recruits Matt has enlisted are quite often rescues

themselves. He obtains lists from various shelters and with a nose for finding just the right dog,

an experienced and deft training touch, and just the right amount of positive reinforcement based

on praise and reward, Matt has turned a panoply of contenders into heroes; and

     WHEREAS, During his state police career, Matt has earned numerous awards for his

work, including two special commendations and a unit citation. He is truly "an officer and a

gentleman" and the citizenry of this state lead far safer and more secure lives due to his

extraordinary career; and

     WHEREAS, Matt and his wife Kristen make their home in Saunderstown, where his pack

of canines reside in immaculate downstairs quarters and romp in a big grassy backyard. Upon

retirement from the State Police, he will continue to do the work he loves with man's best friends

through his business, American Patriot K-9 Training; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes, honors, and thanks Matthew Zarrella on the occasion

of his retirement after twenty-five years of loyal and distinguished service with the Rhode Island

State Police. We wish him good health, fulfillment and continued success in all his future

endeavors; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Sgt. Matthew Zarrella.

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