By Nicole Hennessy, April 15, 2015, THE PRESS
Avon’s K-9 police officer, Lennox, is a popular guest at community events and a hardworking member of the police force. At 8 years old, he’s also getting up there in age. Within the next year, before Lennox becomes too old to be used as a service dog, the Avon Police Department will begin the process of obtaining and training a new K-9 officer.
To help cover the cost of doing so, the Avon Lions Club donated $5,000 – funds raised during the club’s recent Night at the Races event.
Officer Barton with Lennox
At the Lions’ monthly meeting April 9, Mayor Bryan Jensen and police Chief Richard Bosley said a few words before Bosley accepted the donation on behalf of the department. Stating he had great admiration for the work the Lions Club does, Jensen thanked them on behalf of the city. “My goal has always been, with the police department, to make sure everybody believes that what they’re doing is a service,” Jensen said. “And I think that all our officers believe that what they’re doing is a service to the community.”
Bosley estimates the $5,000 will cover about half of the cost of a new K-9, but it’s hard to say what the total cost will be. “The costs always vary,” he said, “and then you also have to pay for the training.” Lennox was obtained from Germany, and although it’s an option that has worked out well for the department, Bosley said, no plans have yet been made as far as where the next dog will come from.
Most police departments use K-9 units, which help complete tasks like tracking criminals, uncovering illegal or potentially harmful items and searching buildings and other properties. Most commonly, like Lennox, these dogs are German shepherds, an intelligent breed known for its trainability.
The Avon Lions Club continually raises funds for community organizations, most recently donating funds to Fisher House Foundation, which operates “a network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment,” the organization’s website explains. The club also participates and donates to smaller projects throughout the year, including a program that sent more than 5,000 Christmas cards to soldiers serving overseas.
Of the initiative to raise funds for the department, Avon Lions President Ian Murray said, “We saw a need in the community, and that need was a K-9 for the Avon Police Department.” Thanking the Lions for their donation, Bosley said of Lennox,”We’re hoping we can find another dog that can fill his shoes.”
Other photos from the check presentation event:
