The North Judson Police Department is already nearing their $20,000 goal for the purchase of a K-9 and subsequent training thanks to a decision made by town council members Monday evening.
Town Marshal Kelly Fisher requested for $15,000 to be encumbered from the general police insurance fund into the K-9 fund to help cover the cost of purchasing a K-9 from the Peru-based company Vohne Liche Kennels. The council members unanimously approved Fisher’s request.
Fisher also acknowledged some local businesses and organizations that are already offering assistance to the NJPD. San Pierre Veterinary Clinic offered to donate annual shots and physicals and Feed Barn is donating all food needed for the K-9.
Ozinga in Knox has offered to donate concrete for the home kennel that will be required at Officer Rico Simpson’s residence and Kankakee Valley Auction in Walkerton is donating the wood for that project.
The Starke County Sheriff’s Office is donating a K-9 police car cage. Simon’s Speed Shop is donating work for fabricating the police car kennel and they’re also donating the printing for the K-9 fundraiser t-shirts.
Additionally, Chief Fisher provided council members with a timeline for the K-9 purchase and training process. She said that on January 30th the home kennel and police car kennel will both be installed. On January 31st, all funds will be evaluated and properly allocated.
On February 20th, K-9 selection will be conducted at Vohne Liche and the dog will be place with Officer Simpson at his home. The final step will the 6 week training course which will start on February 26th.
Approximately $5,000 is still needed to help cover training costs for Officer Simpson and his new K-9 partner. Any additional money raised will be saved for maintenance and any extra expenses that may come up. Individuals can donate by cash or check that can be delivered to the police department or town hall. As long as the donor includes an address, all donations will result in a certificate of appreciation. Any donors who provide over $100 will also received a NJ K-9 Supporter t-shirt.
People can also donate through the online crowd funding website GoFundMe. Click the following link to view the page for the North Judson Police Department K-9 Fundraiser. Any questions can be directed to Town Marshal Fisher via email at njpolicefisher@embarqmail.com or by phone at 574-772-5914.
