Det. Patrick Frezza has been riding around on patrol in an empty K-9 vehicle for about four months, but that will change this week.

Officials from the Brewster Police Department (BPD), the Village of Brewster and Putnam County are slated to welcome 10-month-old California native Cobra at a press conference on Thursday. Cobra will partner with Frezza, whose previous partner, Cezar, died in the fall. They worked together for several years at Brewster, and the Yonkers Police Department before that.

Mike D'Abruzzo, owner of Cortlandt Manor-based K9-1 Specialized Dog Training, LLC., is donating Cobra to the department. He started his business in 1998 and now works with more than 100 dogs each year, either in private or group lessons. He bought Cobra with the intention of training him to be a personal security dog. While trainer Danny Cappelli worked with Cobra, D'Abruzzo quickly realized that the dog, who he said could sell for more than $20,000 because of the skills he's gained, may have a different purpose in life.

"His temperament is more suited for police work," D'Abruzzo said. "Cobra needs to work. He's not going to be a happy dog unless he's working."

A Garrison resident, D'Abruzzo said he is happy to be able to give back to the community. He told Patch that Cobra, whose blood lines are Eastern European, really takes to Frezza. 

Chief John DelGardo of BPD and Mayor Jim Schoenig both agreed. DelGardo said Cobra is "one of the smartest dogs" he has ever seen, and Schoenig said that while "No one can replace Cezar," the department's newest addition is a great one who will benefit the whole county. 

Check back with Patch later this week for a follow-up story, with more on D'Abruzzo's donation, as well as video of Cobra and Frezza.