By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Marlborough – The Marlborough Police Department (MPD) hosted a block party Sept. 21 on Weed Street to publicly introduce its recently acquired K-9, Meiko. Party guests got the chance to meet Meiko and handler Sgt. Ken McKenzie. Proceeds from the block party benefitted the MPD K-9 Unit.
MPD’s current K-9, Kaiser, is nearing retirement after serving for six years. Meiko is training at the Boston Police K-9 Academy toward graduating in December and will work with trainer McKenzie beginning in the spring of 2020. McKenzie will also care for Kaiser in retirement.
The party got started with live music provided by Angry Tony & the HomeWreckers featuring retired Lt. Col. Anthony Abdal-Khabir of the Massachusetts Environmental Police on harmonica, and Officer Pat Hogan of MPD on rhythm guitar and vocals, along with lead guitarist and vocalist Billy Claire, and drummer Mark “Skippy” Johnson. Claire and Johnson are also well-known as bandmates of The Allens. Hogan performed double duty because he also organized the block party fundraiser.
More first responders were represented in the band Larry Bee & the Buzz. Bandmates are lead singer Larry Bastien, retired chief despatcher with the Marlborough police and fire departments, and lead guitarist Mickey Grasso, retired EMT and firefighter with the Marlborough Fire Department, along with drummer Tom Brodeur and bass guitarist Mike Ferro.
Rounding out the musical lineup were the bands Take Cover and Late Bus. Roger “Bear” Cassie of High Voltage Sound donated his time and equipment.
A cornhole tournament was presented by Brave Heroes, a discount website for first responders, military and employees of nonprofit organizations. Festivities also included food and dessert trucks, beverages from local breweries, gift basket raffles and a silent auction with sports memorabilia as prizes. Event sponsors were Main Street Bank and St. Mary’s Credit Union.
photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
