Willoughby Hills recently accepted a $10,000 donation from an anonymous donor to be used by the Willoughby Hills Police Department for the support of its K-9 program. According to Council President Michael Kline, the police department is going forward with finding a new K-9 for the program and a don or has come forward, wishing to donate $10,000 to the program. “This is not a cheap program,” Kline said, noting that a motion requested for the donation has been passed by City Council. Mayor Chris Hallum said the cost of a K-9 is $10,000. Due to an unexpected and sudden illness, the police department recently experienced the loss of K-9 Mya, said Police Chief Matthew Naegele. “When something like this happens, the impact is felt on multiple levels — supporting the handler who lost a trusted partner to ensuring the long-term sustainability of a program that plays a critical role in public safety,” he said. The police department has a long-standing K-9 tradition that spans more than 20 years, Naegele said. Throughout that time, handlers and their K-9 partners have been instrumental in the interdiction, investigation and successful prosecution of some of the largest narcotics, and contraband cases in this region of Ohio. “Their work not only removes dangerous substances and criminals from our streets, but also enhances officer safety and strengthens overall community safety,” Naegele said. “In past years, these efforts have even earned national recognition.” He said the police department is incredibly fortunate that a local individual, who has respectfully requested to remain anonymous, donated $10,000 toward the purchase of a new K-9. “I cannot adequately express my gratitude for this generous donation,” he said. “Programs like this require a significant investment beyond the initial purchase of a dog including training, certification, equipment and ongoing care. Community support like this plays a vital role in keeping the program strong.” The police department has a clear plan moving forward and intends to purchase its next K-9 from an industry-respected vendor that specializes in police-working dogs, Naegele said. “We are confident the selection process will result in a dog that meets the highest standards,” he said. “I look forward to seeing this new K-9 trained, certified and back on the road with our veteran handler, continuing the proud tradition of service and contributing directly to the safety and well-being of our community. I know our handler is confident and excited about this new path forward.” ...read more read less