Since June of this year, the Hiram Police Department has been fundraising with the goal of adding a K-9 officer to its team. Corporal Devin Brown, who will be trained and paired with the canine, has spearheaded the efforts. In the five months since receiving Council’s approval to proceed with seeking roughly $20,000 in funding for the program, the efforts thus far have provided more than half of the necessary funding.
One way they sought to raise money was through a Steak Dinner recently held at Hiram College. The sold-out event was sponsored by Texas Roadhouse, and also included raffles for door prizes donated from various local families and organizations, as well as the opportunity to purchase K9 merchandise. “To say that it was a very successful event is an understatement!” Brown beamed. He thanked those that volunteered, served, as well as the businesses and families that donated items for the Chinese Auction.
Volunteers included: the Adams Family, Art N Flowers in Garrettsville, AVI in Hiram, Backyard Cookers, the Bacon Family, Betsy Simon, BT Oil in Middlefield, the Cates Family, Charles Auto Family in Garrettsville, the Dempsey Family, Flowers by Emily in Middlefield, the Frato-Sweeney Family, Front in Cleveland, Geauga Bow in Middlefield, Golden Mirror in Garrettsville, the Gregory Family, Hair Affair in Middlefield, Hiram College, IGA in Garrettsville, Jeffery Fortenbury, Kelly & Bob, Kenston Local Schools, Larder in Cleveland, Maggie’s Doughnuts in Hiram, Marathon in Middlefield, Market Express in Parkman, the McBride Family, McDonald’s in Middlefield & Garrettsville, the Motz Family, Pier W in Lakewood, the Polverine Family, the Reynolds Family, Sarah Harper, SALT in Lakewood, the Schweickert Family, Sean’s Pub in Garrettsville, Sirna & Sons in Ravenna, the Smith Family, the Stachowski Family, Slim & Jumbos in Garrettsville, Subway in Garrettsville, the Szell Family, That’s the Spirit in Garrettsville, Two Travelers in Garrettsville, and the West Family.
“We’re a small department, which means we can’t devote much of our budget to the new program. But we’re always accepting donations from businesses, organizations, and individuals wishing to help bring a K-9 officer to the Department.”
According to Brown, the Department anticipates raising the rest of the funds to cover the cost of the dog, training for both the dog and Corporal Brown, and the necessary equipment and supplies for the K9 program by March 2019. “We’re a small department, which means we can’t devote much of our budget to the new program. But we’re always accepting donations from businesses, organizations, and individuals wishing to help bring a K-9 officer to the Department.”
To that end, the Department is currently selling Yankee Candles, where 40% of the proceeds will go towards the K9 program. This online fundraiser runs through December 31st, giving folks another opportunity to support this worthy cause by shopping from their phone or computer. Simply visit https://s.ripl.com/yyr4mk to visit the special fundraising website, making certain that Group #: 999982859 and Sarah Harper (Sarah40) are listed on your order. For more information, visit the Hiram Police Department K-9 page on Facebook.
In addition, packages of Texas Roadhouse peanuts, as well as an array of Hiram PD K-9 Supporter merchandise, including t-shirts, hats, tumblers, and decals available for sale at the station just in time for holiday gift giving.
