WPPD receives $52K K9 patrol vehicle

West Point Police Department Sgt. Arnie Cade and K9 officer Kenzo are finally saying goodbye and good riddance to their old patrol car after a group donated a brand new 2020 Chevrolet Tahoe.

The department on Monday announced K9s United had received enough donations for the new SUV, which will replace the early 2000s model Crown Victoria that had run into major mechanical issues and even broke down during compromising situations.

West Point Police Chief Avery Cook said having the vehicle donated is meaningful in several ways, after the department had taken an older vehicle and tried to make a K9 unit out of it.

“We didn't have the proper equipment to do that,” Cook said. “With

“With K9s United donating this vehicle, it came equipped with everything. Now Officer Cade can effectively patrol the streets. Kenzo has a vehicle that is prepared just for K9 handlers. We are very grateful and excited about the new addition to our fleet.”

K9s United donating this vehicle, it came equipped with everything. Now Officer Cade can effectively patrol the streets. Kenzo has a vehicle that is prepared just for K9 handlers. We are very grateful and excited about the new addition to our fleet.”

After months of fundraising, though, the nonprofit group says the vehicle is finally ready for delivery to the WPPD.

K9s United says the donation was made possible at the end of last year, when fundraising efforts for the new SUV were just at over 35% to reaching the goal.

A few days before Christmas, Setina Manufacturing announced a $17,500 matching gift to the campaign. The campaign was then fully funded after another anonymous donation of $5,000 from a local citizen.

While his K9 partner may have a difficult time putting his gratitude into words, Cade expressed his thanks to all of those who made it possible.

“The old vehicle made our jobs hard on a daily basis, but with the new Tahoe we'll be better than ever keeping our great community safe - not to mention keeping Kenzo safe, which has worried me sick over the years,” Cade said. “He's not just my partner. He's my best friend.”

The new SUV is fully-equipped with a K9 kennel and a state-of-theart K9 Heat Alarm system, which could prove a vital piece of equipment that keeps the K9 safe inside of the vehicle.

The donated vehicle also comes equipped with all the latest in police car technology donated by Dana Safety Supply, Gamber Johnson, Brooking Industries, and Soundoff Signal Lighting.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the vehicle presentation ceremony planned by the WPPD will be schedule for a later date.