Gary K9 Suspected Of Being Poisoned
The Gary K9 Association is seeking donations to assist with purchasing K9s that serve with the Gary Police Department. The department recently lost one of our newest K9s to a suspected poisoning, according to Lt. Dawn Westerfield. It has not been determined how or when K9 Willie was poisoned, Westerfield stated Thursday. Additionally, the unit is looking to expand but will be retiring one of their senior K9s soon. K9s are vital to police departments in apprehension of suspects, narcotics investigations and tracking of subjects including lost children and elderly.
The Gary K-9 Association is a 501c3 organization based in Gary, IN. They raise money to assist the Gary Police Department in keeping the K-9 program alive and well. The unit consists of 4 handlers/canines dually trained in narcotics and patrol.
“As representatives of the Gary Police K-9 Unit, we are reaching out to the citizens of this community and local businesses to ask for your financial support,” Gary K9 Association said. Their goal is to raise $150,000 annually to assist with trainings, vehicles, equipment and canine maintenance for our K-9 Unit. The annual cost for one canine is approx. $10,000, which does not include the original purchase of the K9, which is between $13,000 & $15,000. This does not include trainings, which range from $250 -$2,500 per canine, or equipment and protective gear, which often exceeds $2,000. Despite our limited budget, the police department is very aggressive and proactive in this type of investment which will help them work smarter.
The Gary K-9 Unit takes pride in the quality of service and protection that we provide to the community and they need your help. “A donation in any amount will benefit all that we serve.” Please make checks payable to: Gary K-9 Association, P.O. Box 64409, Gary, IN 46401
All contributions go directly to the Gary K-9 Association. If you would like further information or the Tax ID, please contact the Gary K-9 Association President and K-9 Unit Supervisor Corporal John Artibey at garycanine@yahoo.com
