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Top dog

Dunkirk K-9 gets own ride

OBSERVER Photos above and below by Nicole Gugino Donations made a custom K-9 vehicle possible for the Dunkirk Police Department. Pictured from left is Nathan Green of Custom Collision, K-9 Officer Matt Hazelton with K-9 Nico, Chief David Ortolano and Mike Dougherty of Shults Resale.

The community’s response to the addition of a new K-9 on the Dunkirk Police force was so overwhelming, the department has been able to outfit Nico with his own riding accommodations.

In March 2015, the police department sought a new K-9 when its former K-9 retired. Residents, businesses and service clubs responded by making donations to help with the new addition of Nico on the force.

“The response that we received was outstanding. Within a very short period of time, we received commitments that guaranteed the start-up costs of a new K-9 program, as well as a commitment for veterinary care and food,” Chief David Ortolano said.

The generous donations also allowed the department to replace its 14-year-old K-9 vehicle that had mechanical issues. But, with limited funds, it was through the help of Shults Resale General Manager and Co-owner Mike Dougherty that the department was able to find a vehicle that fit its needs.

Dougherty donated a large portion of the cost of the vehicle and Nathan Greene of Custom Collision donated the services to paint the doors white.

Funds recovered from drug arrests allowed for the installation of a special cage insert in Dunkirk’s K-9 vehicle to keep Nico safe while on patrol with Officer Matt Hazelton.

But to make the vehicle truly fit Nico’s needs as a young K-9 in training, the department also used some asset forfeiture funds from drug arrests to purchase a specific K-9 insert for the rear seat of the vehicle that will keep him safe when traveling and also allow K-9 handler Officer Matt Hazelton to have access to Nico while on patrol and answering calls.

They were also able to purchase a few other needed pieces of equipment for the vehicle as well with the forfeiture funds.

“Without the generosity of everyone that donated to our K-9 fund, continuing this program would not have been possible. There are no words that can express our gratitude and we offer our sincerest thank you to everyone that helped. It truly shows that our communities care about public safety and go above and beyond when called upon for help. K-9 Nico and Officer Hazelton have already been involved in several case investigations and have proved to be a very valuable asset to the department and community,” Ortolano added.

He issued a special thank-you to Shults Resale and Custom Collision, as well as all the other donors, including: The Fredonia Beaver Club, Mr. Stanley Star, Koscuiszko Club, Fourth Ward Falcon Club, Dom Polski Club, Moniuszko Club, Lake Shore Savings Bank, Graf Realty, Dunkirk Police Benevolent Association, Fredonia Police Benevolent Association, Lakeshore Street Rods, John T. Murray Post 1017, Fieldbrook Foods, Columbus Club, P&G Foods, Moose Lodge 89, Edna Sek, Tick Tock Towing, Elks Club, Dunkirk Exempt Volunteer Fireman, Dunkirk Rotary Club, Conservation Club, Cattaraugus County Bank and Tractor Supply.

The department also thanks Dunkirk Animal Clinic for veterinary care, city administration for understanding the importance of the K-9 program and city Mechanic Jason Schrantz and Welder Ken Sek for installing the special K-9 insert and servicing the vehicle.

Ortolano added, “Our greatest weapon in crime prevention and providing the best in public safety is a positive police-community partnership with the community we serve. Without your support keeping our K-9 program in service would not have been possible. On behalf of Officer Hazelton, Nico and the entire Dunkirk Police Department, we say thank you.”

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