SPD: Our K-9 fundraising effort is successful
Released:Aug 02, 2017
MEDIA RELEASE
(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / 08-02-2017) — On July 12, 2017, the Stillwater Police Department lost one of its K-9 officers, Zena, to an unexpected illness. Within three days we were contacted by members of our Citizens Academy Alumni group who wanted to start a fundraising campaign to purchase a new dog. The initial fundraising goal was set at $15,000, the cost for a new dog.
The immediate outpouring of support from the community has been humbling and overwhelming. Shortly after the campaign began we learned an anonymous donor had contacted the K9s4Cops program based in Texas and offered to donate the cost of the dog. As part of the K9s4Cops program the K-9 handler will be matched with a new dog and attend an eight-week school in Houston, Texas. The cost of selecting the dog and attending two months of training in Houston is approximately $8,500.
In addition to the anonymous donation many local organizations and individuals have donated to the fund. The local chapter of the International Association of Firefighters (local 2095) donated $5,000. The Frontier Masonic Lodge gave $1,000. The SPD Citizens Academy Alumni partnered with OnCue to sell T-shirts to raise money and a large number of individuals and businesses have given to the cause. To date, a total of $9,700 over the anonymous donation has been pledged or collected. We are so very grateful for everyone’s support. The donations will cover not only the cost of the dog but the cost of the training and travel as well.
We want to thank everyone who has supported us through this tragedy and fund-raising effort. We also need everyone to know that all of the donations not used to pay for the new dog or initial two months of trainings will be placed in a K-9 project fund. The money in that project fund will only be used for unexpected veterinary costs, future K-9 replacement or other expenses associated with keeping our K-9 unit healthy and ready for duty.
We truly appreciate your support. Anyone with questions please contact Sgt. Royce Stephens in the Special Projects unit at SPD by calling 405.533.8494.
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Cpt. Kyle Gibbs
PolicePIO@stillwater.org
405.372.4171
SPD: Community members offering donations for new K-9
MEDIA RELEASE
(STILLWATER, OKLAHOMA / July 18, 2017) – On July 12, the Stillwater Police Department lost one of its two K-9 officers, Zena, to a sudden illness. Since that time, several members of the community have stepped forward giving donations to help us purchase a new dog. The generosity of those individuals was an unexpected blessing as we debated how we would get a new dog. The actions of those citizens have started a movement.
Still yet, donations continue and one community group is planning to sell T-shirts as a fundraiser as well as set up a fundraising booth on July 21 at the Downtown Stillwater Friday Food Trucks and Tunes event. We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
For anyone wishing to join the effort and make a donation, the police department will continue to accept donations to buy another dog. The goal is $15,000. Anyone wishing to make a donation can do so directly at the police department.
Make checks payable to the City of Stillwater with the note “K-9 fund” on the memo line. Tax deductible receipts are available.
If you have any questions about anyone soliciting donations for the SPD K-9 fund, please call the Stillwater Police Department at 405.372.4171.
Thank you, Stillwater!
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