East Haven's Police Dog's Back on the Beat

Daro the Police Dog is back on duty.

The German shepherd has returned to his beat along with handler Officer David Cari, according to a New Haven Register report.

In fact, Daro and Cari reportedly were called out to track a suspect their first day back on on the job.

The police department's K-9 program . When the decision to suspend the K-9 program was made public, an outpouring of criticism from officers — as well as residents who voicing their opposition to the move — prompted then Mayor April Capone explaining the decision, which she said was less a budget matter as one of departmental efficiency.

The program’s suspension also made national headlines when late-night TV host Jimmy Fallon included the story in one of his monologues.

Mayor Joseph Maturo Jr said there is money in the town's budget to help fund the police department's K-9 program, according to the Register's report.

And to help offset overtime costs, town officials reportedly reached an agrreement with Cari and the police union that in lieu of overtime, the officer will be excused from his next following shift if called out with Daro while off duty.