News : Fund-raising under way for Vinton Police Department\'s first K-9 unit

The Vinton Police Department has received verbal promises of nearly $8,000 in donations for its very first K-9 officer project.

Police Chief Ted Paxton and Officer Ben Parmater discussed the police dog project with the Vinton City Council during its meeting on Thursday.

The department hopes to complete fund-raising in the near future and have the dog in service by the fall of this year.

Parmater, who would become the K-9 handler, shared with the council a Power Point presentation, outlining some objectives.

A K-9 team, he said, would help in four areas.

1. Enforcing drug laws.

2. Assisting patrol officers with more rapid location of evidence, as well as officer protection during apprehension of dangerous supsects.

3. Searching for missing persons, especially children or seniors

4. Conducting narcotics searches within Vinton-Shellsburg schools to maintain a drug-free learning environment.

Also, Parmater told the council, a police dog will help the VPD improve relationships with the community as well as other law enforcement agencies.

The cost of the dog and training is slightly more than $17,000; the VPD has set a fund-raising goal of $25,000 to also cover the cost of the first year of food, medical expenses, a kennel and other related equipment.

Parmeter has already spoken to the Vinton Lions Club and the Vinton Kiwanis Club about the project, and is available to speak to any organizations or individuals interested in learning more.

The plan is for Parmeter to train with a Belgian Malinois dog, which are slightly smaller than German Shepherds.

Vohne Liche Kennels of Denver, Indiana, would provide the dog and training for both the dog and the officer.

Anyone wishing to donate to the project or find out more is invited to call the VPD at 319-472-2321.