A license that would allow a police dog training group to use the former Newtown Hook & Ladder firehouse has been tentatively approved by the Board of Selectmen.  Superior Canine Services of New Milford wants to use the vacant Main Street building to train police dogs for municipal police departments in the region. 

The Board voted to ask the town attorney for revisions to a proposed licensing agreement allowing the company to use the building for 9 months for $1. 

A structural engineering firm previously determined that the former firehouse is structurally unsound.  The license will be changed so that the company agrees to use the facility as is. 

After the revision is made, the Board of Selectmen can review it again and then formally vote. 

Police Chief James Viadero says many of the police dog teams already use the nearby Fairfield Hills campus for tracking exercises.  Those using the building would sign “hold harmless” agreements.