Bank donation supports K9 unit

HATBORO >>

Fundraising efforts to support Hatboro’s new K9 unit got a boost from Hatboro Federal Savings bank recently.

The bank, which is a partner in the fundraising effort, made its own $5,000 donation, with a formal check presentation held at the borough council’s Nov. 5 meeting. The borough is in the process of raising money privately to fully fund the purchase of its new police dog Louie, as well as his work and care as the newest member of the police department.

The borough has also set up a GoFundMe page for members of the community who are interested in donating to the ef-

fort. A goal of $40,000 has been set, which it hopes to achieve by next February. The borough has received about $1,300 through GoFundMe. In total so far, the

borough has raised $11,000 for the canine program.

The borough purchased Louie, an 8-month-old German Shepherd, not long after announcing in October that it was moving forward with the K9 program. Given new development and population growth in the borough, officials say the dog

will provide an invaluable crime-fighting tool. Louie also will serve as an ambassador to help strengthen public relations between the community and law enforcement in the borough.

Louie’s caretaker in the police department is officer Ryan Allen, who will not only work with Louie

but take care of him at home. Allen has been member of the department since 2013.

Hatboro sought to fund the K9 program through private donations to avoid any tax burden on the residents. This comes at a time when Hatboro is in the process of completing next year’s municipal budget. The spending plan received preliminary approval on Nov. 5, with a final vote expected next month.

Louie will begin working for the department in a limited capacity starting next summer, Mayor Nancy Guenst said. He will first go through “scent school” beginning in March. Next fall, he and officer Ryan will enter “patrol school,” which lasts about six weeks. Afterward, he will start work in the police department full time, she said.

Anyone interested in donating to the K9 program through GoFundMe can visit the site at gofundme. com/hatborok9.

ROB HEYMAN — FOR DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Linda Roehner, president of Hatboro Federal Savings, second from right, presents the banks $5,000 donation for the K9 program to, from left, Officer Ryan Allen, Chief James Gardner and Mayor Nancy Guenst.

SUBMITTED PHOTO — HATBORO BOROUGH Louie will be the first member of Hatboro’s K9 program.