Our fundraising journey
Join us as we track our progress towards establishing a vital K-9 unit for the Ontwa Township - Edwardsburg community. Every contribution brings us closer to our goal.
The story behind the K-9 unit
My story starts in March of 2025, when I began researching the benefits of a K-9 unit for our department. After approximately a year of research, I approached our chief and the police board with my proposal. I was informed that our department lacked the funding, and if I wanted this unit, I would have to raise the funds myself. Within weeks, I assembled a team to help me reach this goal, and we established a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable organization. The K-9 unit is designed to serve the residents of Ontwa Township - Edwardsburg, covering 24 square miles, including 1.6 square miles of water, and 1 mile in the village of Edwardsburg. The K-9 will serve in public relations, search and rescue, narcotics detection, and suspect apprehension against property crime.
Positive community impact
Beyond the K-9 unit itself, achieving our fundraising goal will bring several positive changes to the community. The addition of a K-9 unit will significantly reduce the time officers wait for county K-9 units to respond, especially in critical instances involving non-verbal children who have wandered off from their homes. Furthermore, having a canine unit will help bridge the gap between officers and the community through positive interactions and public relations events, fostering trust and understanding.
Our fundraising goals
Our program's targeted goal is $250,000.00. While a typical K-9 unit can launch with funds of around $150,000.00, our $250,000.00 goal is crucial. This larger sum will sustain the K-9 program for the next 7 years, ensuring that funds are available for the next K-9, comprehensive animal care, and the K-9 patrol vehicle. This long-term financial stability is vital for the continuous operation and effectiveness of the unit within our community.
How your donations help
Your donations directly support the OTEPD K-9 INC. and the community it serves in numerous ways. Aside from the initial costs, such as food, veterinary care, and essential equipment for both the dog and officer, your contributions fund the specialized patrol vehicle and initial training. Over time, donations will also cover other training opportunities that the handler may participate in, as well as mandatory training periods that the dog and handler will undergo to maintain peak performance. Every dollar ensures the K-9 unit remains a vital asset to Ontwa Township - Edwardsburg.