Police dogs could be ready to hit the streets in early May

NEWMAN – Two police K-9 units could be on the beat with their officers by early May, thanks to a remarkable show of support from generous community members who are backing the new program with hefty donations.

One anonymous benefactor has contributed $20,000 for the purchase of the police dogs; another has donated $10,000 to help get the program up and running. The K-9 program has also received a $3,500 donation and a number of smaller donations.

Collectively, the contributions to date add up to a remarkable $35,000 – in addition to the $10,000 in seed money the city authorized to help establish the K-9 program.

“I knew that there was community support for this program and for the police department, but this has just been overwhelming,” reflected Police Chief Randy Ulibarri. “It sends a great message to all our officers that the community appreciates our efforts.”

The officers proposing the K-9 program faced what appeared to be a daunting challenge of having to raise at least $15,000 in contributions to get the program off the ground.

“We have received donations from $10 on up,” said officers Chad Earle and Jason Hutchins, who will be the dogs’ handlers.

Thanks to the large contributor, they were able to pick up their dogs – Earle’s is named Jackson, and Hutchins’ is named Arco - and move the program forward.

“The donor was watching a council meeting at which the K-9 program was being discussed, and as a result contacted one of the council members and indicated he wanted to donate to the program,” Ulibarri commented. “He inquired to the cost of each canine, and said he would write a check to cover the purchase of the dogs.”

Earle and Hutchins will begin a two-week certification course with the dogs in mid-April. If all goes well, they will be on the street with the K-9 units in early May.

In the meantime, the fund-raising efforts continue.

Although the response has exceeded expectations, the costs involved in putting the K-9 units on duty has also shot past the original budget projection.

“There were costs that were anticipated, but as you get deeper into the programs you discover other things as well,” Ulibarri commented. “The idea is not to cut corners, because when you do that mistakes happen.”

Providing and outfitting vehicles for the K-9s is one challenge.

“We’re still figuring out one vehicle versus two vehicles, and how we are going to make that work,” Ulibarri commented. “We need to figure out the car situation as quickly as possible, so that the vehicles are ready when dogs are ready.”

Cars equipped as K-9 units cannot be used for regular patrol, he noted.

Fund-raising efforts will continue, the officers said.

Donations are crucial to the ongoing operation of the K-9 program as well as its start.

“Every dollar donated will be used for the dogs, now or in the future,” Earle stated.

The K-9 units will initially be used for apprehension and search purposes, the officers said, but will eventually be certified for narcotics detection as well.

Hutchins said he believes the K-9 program struck a chord with the community, as the donations reflect.

“People love the dogs,” he commented. “They love what the dogs do. They love what the dogs are about.”

Donations of all amounts are welcome, the officers pointed out.

In addition to cash contributions, benefactors have also pledged their support to an upcoming crab feed on behalf of the K-9 program. Among them is the donor of the $3,500, who pledged another $500 for the purchase of drawing prizes for the crab feed.

One community member has pledged to purchase the protective vests which the dogs will wear when working.

The crab feed will be held Saturday, April 26, at the Newman FDES Hall.

Tickets are $40.

In addition, proceeds from the 2008 Newman Fun Run will go to the K-9 program.

Community members may donate at the Police Department, or on line through the westsidedogpark.com web site.