Corporal James “Jimmy” Loomer has served with the Westport Police Department in Westport, Connecticut, since February 2010. Throughout his career, Corporal Loomer has developed a specialized background in police K9 operations, patrol, narcotics detection, explosives detection, and K9 training.
Corporal Loomer became a police K9 handler in 2012, beginning his K9 career with a Belgian Malinois certified in both patrol and narcotics detection. In 2017, he was assigned a second police service dog, a Labrador Retriever certified in explosives detection. Following the retirement of his original patrol and narcotics detection partner, Corporal Loomer was certified with a successor Belgian Malinois in 2020.
Over the course of his career, Corporal Loomer has developed extensive experience in the deployment, training, and care of police service dogs. His responsibilities have included patrol operations, narcotics detection, explosives detection, tracking, building searches, article searches, and other specialized K9 applications. He has also assisted neighboring law enforcement agencies with K9 training and operational needs and has participated in patrol and narcotics training schools.
Corporal Loomer has developed a particular interest and skill set in K9 training and handler development, working alongside other handlers and trainers to improve the effectiveness, reliability, and safety of police K9 teams. His experience in both operational deployments and training has provided him with a practical perspective on the challenges faced by K9 handlers in the field.
In addition to his K9 responsibilities, Corporal Loomer has served in a supervisory and leadership capacity within the Westport Police Department. His experience has given him a broad understanding of patrol operations, officer safety, community policing, and the responsibilities associated with developing and mentoring police officers.
Corporal Loomer is the current secretary and a certified member of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association, a certified member and certifying official for the National Narcotics Detector Dog Association, and a certified member of the National Police Canine Association. He has also previously held certifications through the National Police Work Dog Association.
Throughout his career, Corporal Loomer has remained committed to professional development, K9 training, officer safety, and the continued advancement of police K9 operations. His experience as both a handler and associate trainer has allowed him to contribute not only to the Westport Police Department but also to the broader law enforcement K9 community.
The Club Calendar is at the end of this newsletter. Please refer to it to see the meeting schedule, social events and more. It will be updated when speakers and events are added.
The updated Greeters and Openers schedule is also near the end of the newsletter, so please check to see if you are on there!
Friday Meeting - August 21
Marie-Laure Kugle
Regina A. Quick Center for The Arts
Fairfield University
Marie shared how Quick Center of the Arts creates, engages, inspires and transforms the way we see and interact with the world through dynamic and inclusive visual arts center.
Mark Mathias was the opener and introduced Kensley to everyone.
Dennis won the attic prize and gave it to guest Janet Wolgast
Alma Sarelli was formally inducted by Katie as a member of the WSR Board of Directors.
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Rotary Book Group meeting Sep. 10
Please join the Rotary book group to discuss North Woods by Daniel Mason, on Thursday, Sept 10, 6pm, at Pat Carey’s home at 16 Stoneboat Rd. Open to all members of Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary and their partners (even if the member doesn’t attend!). We’ll have dinner first, then discuss the book. Library has ordered 5 copies of the book that will be made available behind the circulation desk. Mention the Rotary Book Group.
Please rsvp to Pat at patriciahcarey1@gmail.com by September 8. We look forward to seeing you!
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Westport Sunrise Rotary to Welcome Frontline Ukrainian Leaders to a Rare Public Presentation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Westport Sunrise Rotary will host a rare public presentation by three senior Ukrainian leaders responsible for governing communities on the front lines of Russia’s full-scale invasion. The visit by the officials, along with Marshall Mayer co-founder of Ukraine Aid International will take place on Friday, September 11th in the community room at Green’s Farms Congregational Church, 71 Hillandale Road, Westport. The public is welcome. Doors open at 7am and the meeting will start at 7:30.
The delegation is being brought to the United States by Ukrainian Aid International, a Connecticut based non-profit that works directly with frontline Ukrainian officials and their local governments. The visit reflects the growing relationship between Connecticut and Donetsk Oblast, which became Sister State partners in 2025.
“We couldn’t be more pleased to welcome Marshall and the officials as our guests. UAI’s work is ongoing and our club, along with other Rotary clubs and organizations has supported UAI’s continuing efforts to bring relief to the people of Ukraine.”
said Jim Ezzes, president of the Westport Sunrise Rotary. Westport has established a longstanding Sister City partnership with Lyman, another heavily affected community in Donetsk Oblast.
“Most Americans experience this war through headlines. This is a rare opportunity to meet the people making the important decisions and to hear firsthand what is happening on the ground and better understand what is at stake for Ukraine and the world,” according to Marshall Mayer, Executive Director of Ukraine Aid International.
Joining The Westport Sunrise Rotary along with Mr. Mayer will be:
Governor Fillaskin, Governor of Donetsk Oblast
Sergii Kaliian has led the Bakhmut District Administration since 2022
Oleksii Voroblov , has led the Siversk City Administration since 2022
(More detailed biographies at end of press release)
The Westport Sunrise Rotary is a service organization dedicated to supporting the community and people in need. The club’s fundraising efforts allow it to provide grants to numerous local charities and nonprofits, as well as international organizations. Last year, the proceeds, along with the generous support of the club’s sponsors from The Great Duck Race and Uncorked, a wine tasting and townwide celebration enabled the Sunrise Rotary to award, in addition to international grants, $150,000 in grants locally. This year Uncorked will take place on November 5 at The Longshore Inn. “We anticipate to once again provide generous grants this year,” according to Jim Ezzes.
Because of the strong interest in hearing from Mr. Mayer and his Ukrainian guests seating for the September 11th meeting will be limited. For more information or to learn more about The Westport Sunrise Rotary, please contact: info@westportsunriserotary.org. The meeting will also be available by zoom:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86797975526
Additional Information regarding the Ukrainian Leaders:
Governor Filashkin was appointed Governor of Donetsk Oblast in December 2023 after serving for nearly five years as Deputy Governor. He has played a central role in coordinating civilian evacuations, maintaining critical infrastructure, and working with Ukraine’s security and emergency services. Before joining the regional administration, he held leadership positions in Ukraine’s military, law enforcement, and National Police. He holds a Ph.D. in Legal Sciences.
Sergii Kaliian has led the Bakhmut District Administration since 2022. Bakhmut has become internationally known as the site of some of the war’s fiercest fighting. Kaliian oversees emergency response, evacuation, humanitarian coordination, and the continuity of government services throughout the district. He previously served in senior positions in the Bakhmut and Kostiantynivka district administration and holds degrees in Law and Public Administration.
Oleksii Vorobiov has led the Siversk City Administration since 2022, overseeing humanitarian assistance and essential services for a community located only miles for active combat. A native of Donetsk Oblast, he previously served as Deputy Head of the Mariupol District State Administration. Under his leadership, Siversk established a Sister City partnership with Weston, Connecticut.
Event Details:
Date: Friday, September 11th, 2026
Time: 7am
Location: Green Farms Congregational Church, community room
Address: 71 Hillandale Road
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GUESTS LAST MEETING:
Janet Wolgast, guest of Pete Wolgast Kirsten Horton - prospective new member Theresa Green - former and prospective new member Marie-Laure Kugel - Speaker, Quick Center at Fairfield University Kensley Laguerre - guest of Mark Mathias
GILLESPIE CENTER COOKING / SERVING SCHEDULE
One of our club’s ongoing and rewarding commitments to community service is our commitment to serving dinner meals on the first Saturday of each month at the Gillespie Center here in Westport.
We are back to serving meals at the newly renovated Gillespie Center. We have the option to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM or to bring meals to serve in person at 4:40 PM (allow extra time if the meals need to be reheated). Meal service should include a main dish, side dish, vegetable, and dessert (no nuts or shellfish please). The number of meals to provide, currently 25, will be confirmed to you to in advance when it is your turn to serve.
If you choose to drop off prepared meals at 4:30 PM you have the option to prepare homemade meals, purchase prepared meals at the store/restaurant of your choice, or you can contact Fresh Market on the Post Road in Westport where you can purchase prepared meals (protein, two sides and cookies for $7 - $10 per meal). If you choose the Fresh Market option call Tory at 203 227-2910 on the Monday prior to your meal service to place your order. You can pay for the meals when you pick them up.
If you are unable to work on your assigned Saturday you will be responsible to call other Rotarians on the list to switch dates.
