MOUNT VERNON — Funding a K-9 unit is costly, but once again, the Knox County community rose to the occasion.
On Wednesday, Dave Culbertson, co-founder of Arms of an Angel Foundation, presented a $12,000 check to Knox County Sheriff David Shaffer for the purchase of the department’s first K-9 unit.
“The bulk of the donations were from area residents of $50 or less,” said Culbertson.
Shaffer isn’t wasting any time getting the unit into action.
“We have already made a posting for our officers who are interested in the position, and we are in the process of ordering the vehicle and the canine unit,” he said.
Shaffer said the officer will probably be selected before the vehicle and equipment are ready. As for a time frame for the canine, Shaffer said, “We have a potential dog in mind that we’re interested in, which has been in training. If that comes through, [the time frame] will be shorter.”
The K-9 unit for the KCSO is the third K-9 unit that Arms of an Angel Foundation has raised money for this year. The first two K-9s were for the Mount Vernon Police Department.
With more than $45,000 given to the city and county for the first three dogs, Culbertson said the foundation continues to raise funds for more K-9 units to help local law enforcement fight drugs.
Anyone wishing to contribute can make checks payable to Arms of an Angel Foundation, 1485 Yauger Rd., Mount Vernon. Donations can also be made online through the Community Foundation of Mount Vernon and Knox County at mvkcfoundation.org. Contributions are tax deductible.
