CONTRIBUTED ARTICLE
SOLEDAD — Soledad Police Department’s K-9s Huro and Leco will be doing a meet and greet with the community on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Bill Ramus Park during their first K-9 Unit Fundraiser.
Used primarily within the City of Soledad, but also available to assist neighboring law enforcement agencies, the Soledad Police Department currently has the only K-9 Unit in south Monterey County, which is funded solely by generous donations from citizens and businesses.
“The safety of our community is a top priority. One of the ways we ensure the well-being of Soledad is through the utilization of our police K-9 unit,” said Soledad Councilmember Carla Stewart, who is coordinating the fundraiser. “In addition to being trained to detect illegal narcotics and apprehend fleeing/hiding suspects, our K-9s work with their handlers in community policing efforts. People can relate to having a dog as a partner, friend and family member, and our K-9s help to build that bridge between the community and our law enforcement team.”
Stewart added, “We are fortunate to have a partnership with Los Coches Animal Hospital as they provide all the medical and routine veterinary care for our K-9s at no cost.”
All donations and proceeds during the fundraiser will be used toward the purchase of K-9 related equipment and the continuous specialized training that is required of the handlers weekly.
Tickets are available for purchase at Los Coches Animal Hospital, Soledad Police Department, Soledad Visitor’s Center, or online at www.eventbrite.com/e/soledad-pd-k9-unit-fundraiser-tickets-40888287970?aff=es2.
Donations are still needed to help offset the cost of the fundraiser. For more information or to help, contact Councilmember Stewart at 744-3585. Soledad Police Department K-9 Program is a 501c3, and all donations made to the K-9 Unit are tax deductible using EIN 38-3898901.
