Local K-9 handlers address funding concerns
Canines might be man’s best friend, but on a police force, K-9s are much more, serving as man’s partner and protector. Whether it’s tracking a fleeing suspect or sniffing for an illegal substance, K-9s can be a valuable asset to a police department.
But as many K-9 handlers in Fayette County have noted, money is always a concern.
“Unless you’re a big department, like Pittsburgh or New York City, you probably aren’t funded by council,” said veteran Uniontown police officer and K-9 handler Mike Garrow.
When it comes to having a K-9 unit, most of the financial responsibility falls to the handlers. The officers serve the department and community, but also become the face and voice of their four-legged partners, often stepping to the front lines to raise money and encourage donations to keep their K-9 partners in service.
Expenses for K-9s add up quickly and include veterinary care, dog food, treats, additional equipment and training.
“We get the basic stuff we need, but it would be nice to not have to worry about where the money will come from,” said Jason Hayes, Perryopolis police officer and K9 handler. He estimated that the K-9s cost several thousand dollars a year to maintain.
Hayes said roughly 95 percent of the dog’s funds have been donated and collected through fundraisers. He added that they’re always thinking of ways to raise money, everything from T-shirts sales to private donations.
Being the face of the K-9s, the handlers also attend demonstrations for schools, the community and other departments. Garrow said they usually ask for donations as a “thank you” to help the K-9s.
And if they’re not attending demonstrations or utilizing the dogs in the field, they might be at their mandatory training and certification sessions. In Charleroi, Washington County, Garrow owns and operates a canine training center. Once a week, Garrow hosts training sessions with Hayes, Mt. Pleasant K-9 handler George Grippo, California University of Pennsylvania K-9 officer Robert Kwiatkowski and Brownsville K-9 handler John Brant.
During Wednesday’s training session, Hayes said the handlers often pay for K-9 needs out of their own pocket.
There are also grants available for K-9s, but as Masontown police chief Joe Ryan points out, the same departments can’t accept it every time.
“We had secured (one specific grant) grant several years ago, but we can’t take it every year,” said Ryan. “K-9 units are a kind of brotherhood and we want to share those opportunities with other departments.”
Within that brotherhood of K-9 handlers, departments help one another by donating K-9 vehicles when they can. Masontown’s first K-9 vehicle was donated by Uniontown police. Soon after, that one was donated to Waynesburg to help with their new K-9 unit, according to Ryan.
Waynesburg police Chief Robert Toth said their K-9 handler recently bought and trained their K-9 officer, Izzy. While the K-9’s food and training are paid for, he is funded primarily by donations.
Hayes said Perryopolis will soon be on the lookout for a new vehicle for their K-9 officer, Mako. For the Brownsville police department, Brant said they need a vehicle for their K-9 officer, Ace, as soon as possible. If vehicles aren’t donated, then the payment comes out of their fund.
“Within the next year, we’re going to be facing the expense of a new vehicle for Ace. We really need it,” said Brant, noting that their K-9 officer, Ace, is also solely supported by a fund of donations and grants.
“It’s always a worry, always a problem. But we will fight to keep the dog,” said Brant.
Cal U’s police force funds Kwiatkowski and his K-9, Bas. But Kwiatkowski noted that monetary donations also help fulfill the K-9’s needs. His food and veterinary services are donated by local businesses.
“The dog is definitely a deterrent. People are a bit more willing to cooperate and be honest when there’s a police dog present,” said Kwiatkowski, noting that the university supports having the K-9 present. “Our fund works a bit differently here, but we know how valuable the donations are.”
In Masontown, Ryan said he knows the city council supports the K-9, Brony, who has been with the department for over four years with handler and officer Mike Yeager.
“Hopefully, if the fund ever depletes, council can help us. In the meantime though, they’ve been great about helping us raise money,” said Ryan.
“We’ve been very fortunate to the point with donations from businesses and residents,” he continued.
Even though the responsibility and concern of the K-9’s finances falls on the handlers, they wouldn’t say goodbye to their loyal, four-legged companions.
“They’re part of our families — worth their weight in gold. Bottom line, we would do anything we can for them,” said Hayes.