New Westlake police dogs sworn in

Westlake Kiwanians George Christ, Suzanne Rusnak, Nan Baker, Lynda Appel, Bonnie Smith, Rick Grane and Norm Baker present a check to the city of Westlake from the Canine Fund.

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The lastest additions to the Westlake police force were sworn in during a ceremony at Westlake City Hall on Monday, Dec. 11. This was a first for Mayor Dennis Clough because his new officers were canines. The new officers have two names – a formal name and a training name – and will be teamed with Westlake police officers.

K-9 officer Ricker (Cash) will team with patrolman Dennis Funari, Echo (Dax) will team with patrolman Josh Frey, and Max (Timmy) will team with patrolman JP Toth. After the formal swearing-in of the new officers, a party was hosted by the Westlake Police Department and Westlake Kiwanis to thank all the donors to the Canine Fund. 

Funds for the dogs were raised through grants from Ohio Kiwanis District Foundation, fundraising by Westlake Kiwanis and other local groups, and private donations by local companies and individuals. Close to $40,000 in funds were raised.

The cost to purchase each dog, training, and equipment run around $33,000 – $14,500 per dog, $14,000 to equip the car and carrier and $4,500 for training. 

Westlake Kiwanis will continue raising funds to maintain and train the dogs along with updating equipment. If you would like to donate to the Westlake Kiwanis Canine Fund please send your donations to Westlake Kiwanis Youth Foundation Inc., Westlake Kiwanis, 25935 Detroit Road, Box 179, Westlake, OH 44135 or contact Rick Grane, rickgrane@aol.com, for more information.