Donations for SPPD’s New K-9 Unit Start to Roll In
Elks Lodge helps kick off donation drive for new K-9 unit at SPPD |
By Brandi Makuski
Fundraising for the city’s first police K-9 unit is now underway.
Stevens Point police announced in November their plans to install a K-9 post after moving into their new headquarters on Michigan Ave., following the lead by neighboring agencies in Portage Co. and Plover. According to Assistant Police Chief Mike Rottier, the decision was based on the ever-growing illegal drug trade in the area, and the city needs a dedicated dog of its own.
“Over the last few years we’ve noticed an increase in the abuse of fentanyl, and meth and heroin across the country: we haven’t escaped that,” Rottier said, adding the addition of a dual-purpose K-9 was necessary because “we are the caretakers of this community.”
The increase in drug activity is such a concern, Rottier said, the department also recently purchased Narcan — an antidote for opioid overdose — for the first time.
WIthin the first few days of fundraising, the department received donations totaling almost $1,000 of the $25,000 or so needed for the new unit, including a $250 donation from a private individual and $500 from the Stevens Point Elks Lodge 641.
To avoid purchasing a new vehicle, the department will refit an existing squad car into a dog-friendly vehicle, with the bulk of the funds going to pay for a dog and training at Von Liche Kennels in Indiana.
As with K-9 dogs at the Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office and Village of Plover, basic veterinary services will be donated by Stevens Point Animal Center.
A K-9 officer has yet to be identified, according to Chief Martin Skibba, but officers Jeremiah Ballew, Justin Klein, and Austin Lee have all expressed interest.
“We won’t tolerate illegal drugs in our community,” Ballew said in describing the program to the Police and Fire Commission last month. “The presence of a K-9 in the public will help the deter those criminals.”
For more information, or to donate, contact Rottier at (715) 346-1517.
Tax-deductible donations can be sent to: Stevens Point Police Department Attn: K-9 Officer Fund, 933 Michigan Ave. Stevens Point, Wis. 54481.
*Editor’s Note: A previous version of this story listed the wrong animal hospital and has been updated.
