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Bartlesville Police Department got a kick start to its K-9 fund drive this week. 

After years of service, Bartlesville Police Department K-9s Apollo and Diesel will face retirement soon. To prepare for their absence, the police department launched the “Bartlesville Police K-9 Supporter program” — a program aimed at raising the money needed to purchase and train two new dogs for the department’s K-9 program.

Handler for the canine Apollo, Troy Newell says the department the program because the dogs and equipment are not budgeted for in the City’s budget.  He says it’s imerative to begin fund raising now because the dogs are due to retire soon and the department needs to replace the assets.

Newell said the cost to purchase and train two new dogs will be about $35,000, which includes two full patrol K-9s, the K-9 handler’s course, two K-9 vehicle inserts and two heat alarms for the vehicles.

You can donate on varying levels — from a “Bronze Supporter” with a $50 contribution, to the “K-9 Thin Blue Line Supporter” with a donation of $500 or more. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Thin Blue Line supporters receive decals and other benefits with their donations.

Bronze Supporter — $50 contribution
Receives 1 Supporter decal

Silver Supporter — $100 contribution
Receives 2 Supporter decals

Gold Supporter — $350 contribution
Receives 2 Supporter decals and a ride-along with BPD K-9 Unit

K-9 Thin Blue Line Supporter — $500 or more contribution
Receives 2 Supporter decals, a ride-along with a BPD K-9 unit and a 9x12 plaque, customized with the donor’s information

To the Bartlesville Police K-9 Supporter program, or for more information, call Newell or officer Andrew Ward, who is the handler for K-9 Diesel, at 918-338-4001.
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