Department budgets are always tight and these days those purse strings are even tighter. When it comes to K-9 units most agencies must have funding in order for them to operate. Some places are becoming more and more creative with their K-9 fundraisers, here are a few.
Emmalovesk9s
In Flagler County, Florida, one young lady has a passion for K-9s and raising funds for their respected departments. With the help of her parents, Emma has successfully set up a nonprofit, Emmalovesk9s, in support of K-9 units.“A few years ago, we were considering getting a shepherd for Emma as a companion,” said Carmen Standford of Emmalvoesk9s. ”Emma lost her brother, Sgt. Luke Stanford, (we are a Gold Star Family) and years later her sister, and she wanted a companion, a dog.”
Sheriff Rick Staly heard Emma’s story and desire to have a companion. Sheriff Staly sent two K-9 Officers to her home to speak with her about how to properly take care of a German Shepard. “Emma became mesmerized with the Officers, Cmdr. Welker and Corporal Tarzewski, and of course their partners, K9 Jax, and K-9 Tag.” As a result, Emma began making small purchases for the K9s when she could in order to show her support. When she came across “plushies” she wanted each K-9 at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to be represented. “She asked if she could sell the plushies and give the money to the Flagler Sheriff K-9 Unit.” Sheriff Staly approved and the family began the nonprofit organization.
The success of the organization has resulted in over 500 sales of K-9 “plushies” worldwide and a partnership with the Georgia Police K9 Foundation. “It's been an amazing experience for Emma,” said Standford. “She is hoping to become the first female K-9 Officer here in Flagler County.” The organization, feeds all five retired working dogs in Flagler County so that the handlers no longer have to pay for the dog's food and the organization is working on the ability to take care of vet bills for the dogs as well.
Bakersfield Police Department
The Bakersfield, California Police Department's K-9 Team has many methods for raising funds. “Like many K-9 teams, we rely heavily on community support for the dogs, which is generally easy to find here because we have a great community,” said Sergeant Jared Diederich. “We have several local vehicle dealerships, restaurants, specialty shops and vendors that graciously donate to our team throughout the year.”
The Bakersfield community wholeheartedly supports the unit through contributions one local resident donated enough funding for a new K-9 patrol vehicle. The run is held at night during a full moon and has several different distances to accommodate adults and children alike from the community. “It generates great community and monetary support for the team,” said Sergeant Deiderich. “This created a team calendar for this year and so far, the sales have been fantastic.”
The National Police Dog Foundation started in 1998 as a small group of volunteers who were passionate about the cause. Originally, the group was formed in order to raise money for the K-9s of the city of Ventura, California. Soon the group realized they could much more for K-9s and police departments. With an increasing demand for their services, they soon set up a board and became the National Police Dog Foundation. They are now able to help police departments with grants, K-9 medical bills, purchasing and training, with other services for retired K9s as well.
Those who would like to help the organization can do so by visiting their website-there are numerous ways to help.
Social Media
Social Media is another way to generate awareness and funds for K-9 needs. K-9s of Valor have a strong social media presence. The organization is a non-profit organization with an emphasis on protecting K-9 officers. K-9s of Valor donate trauma kits, Narcan kits, vehicle heat alarms, other types of supplies for police departments to help K-9s and their handlers.
These days it is up to police departments to generate funds in order to keep their K-9 units around. The effectiveness of creative fundraisers, and organizations dedicated to K-9 support has a large reach and will continue to do so.
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
