Fundraising efforts to continue for local K9 unit
By Dave Fidlin
Correspondent
While an official decision has not yet been rendered, the Whitewater Police Department is expected to welcome a four-footed member into the rank and file in 2014.
The Common Council on Dec. 17 discussed the proposal with Police Chief Lisa Otterbacher. Fundraising efforts have been underway to help cover the costs associated with having a properly trained canine on the force.
As 2013 drew to a close, Otterbacher said the department is about $15,000 short of its original fundraising goal. The estimated cost of acquiring a K9 hovers around $49,000.
“K9 units are proving to be one of the fastest growing tools for police to use in the fight against drug sales, use and possession,” Otterbacher said of the rationale behind having a trained dog on the department.
“A Whitewater K9 unit will be used in the detection of narcotics throughout the community and in schools, as well as for tracking missing people,” Otterbacher added.
Since the proposal first bubbled to the surface early in 2013, a vigorous fundraising appeal got underway. T-shirts have been sold, and a run-walk was held specifically to raise funds for the benefit of having a K9 on the force.
Otterbacher said fundraising appeals will continue into the new year. In her recent report, Otterbacher expressed optimism about two recurring costs, both of which are being covered through donated dollars.
The Jefferson-based Nestle Purina plant will cover annual food costs, and the Animal Medical Center of Whitewater has pledged to provide the necessary annual veterinary costs.
Read the rest of the story, including just how big the presence of drugs are in Whitewater, in the Jan. 2 edition of the Whitewater Register.
