“The revival of this program began in 2016 with Interim Chief Uptegrove,” explains Officer Mike Hoover, who is spearheading the fundraising efforts, “The Police Officer’s Association began fundraising, but the program was put on hold until a permanent Chief was put in place.”
According to Hoover, Susanville’s new Chief of Police Kevin Jones has made the program a priority, allowing him to reach out to neighboring agencies and see what opportunities are available.
“I was invited by Washoe County to attend their K9 training as well as train with them, monthly, for free. This is a huge money saver for the city because K9 units are required to train 16-hours monthly.”
Along with working out the logistics of training Hoover was tasked with finding other resources for dog food, veterinarian services and other K9 related needs.
“Treats Dog Company was generous enough to donate food for the life of the dog,” said Hoover. “Lassen Veterinarian Services will provide services at little to no cost.”
According to Hoover a K9 unit requires special vehicle equipment which can cost between $4,000 and $5,000 to set up in just one vehicle. Hoover sought help from other California agencies and Clovis Police Department answered the call, equipping a Susanville Police vehicle and saving the department an enormous expenditure.
The fundraising campaign, with a goal of about $25,000, kicked off with a gun raffle organized by Susan River Fire District. All proceeds of the raffle will be split by the agencies to support both sides of public safety.
“I was contacted by Susanville Ford who is hosting a fundraiser for our program. They are donating $100 for every vehicle sold until April 30th. As of last week they had sold about 25 vehicles, which comes out to $2,500 donated so far.”
Merry Morsels is also showing support with chocolate German Shepherds available for purchase. Find out more by clicking here.
Come Enjoy Live Music and Tacos While Supporting the K9 Program This Friday
“We are approximately halfway to our goal and would like to invite everyone to our taco feed at the Diamond Mountain Casino on April 5th.”
The event will take place between 5:00 and 9:00p.m. and will feature live music from the band Forgery and silent auction items.
Tickets, which get you 2 tacos and a side-dish to dine in or take out, are $9 per plate or $30 for a family of four. Contact the Susanville Police Officers’ Association for tickets in advance.
If you are on a tight schedule you also have a take out option and can pick up your food to go.
“There are many businesses and individuals to thank so forgive me if I miss anyone,” says Officer Hoover. “We would like to thank Susanville Ford, Treats, Merry Morsels, J&K Guns, Honey lake Firearms, IGA Susanville Supermarket, Safeway, Sierra Jewelry, Zaengles, Impact Construction, Susanville Fire Department and SFD Volunteers, Susan River Fire District, all of the neighborhood watch groups and many individuals in the community that have supported and assisted with fundraising.”
