By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Nov 20, 2014, 13:30
COLONIAL HEIGHTS — The Colonial Heights Police Department will soon add a new member to their team, but it’s not your typical officer.
The department, thanks to donations from local businesses and community members, has raised enough money for the purchase of a new tracking K9. The department currently has a narcotics dog but not one for tracking.
The department asked for donations as a way to avoid raising taxes to purchase the dog.
“We had a goal of $10,000, and we’ve surpassed that. We’re very proud,” said Colonial Heights Police Chief Jeff Faries.
The money raised will go to the purchase of a large bloodhound, which will assist the officers in daily work, and will allow the department to be less reliant on neighboring police departments and their K9s.
Local business owner Vince Ferranti donated $8,000 to the departments’ fund on Wednesday.
“He really stepped up to the plate,” said Faries. “This wouldn’t have happened without such support from the community.”
Faries said the money will also be used to upgrade a vehicle that the K9 will ride in, as well as training, transportation needs, and veterinary care. The bloodhound will be used to help track missing persons and suspects.
