The recently launched Bartlesville Police K-9 Supporter program — a project aimed at raising money for the police department’s K-9 program — is beginning to generate funds needed to replace K-9s Apollo and Diesel following their upcoming retirement, program coordinators said recently.
“BPD K-9 Night,” held at Sooner Miniature Golf Course, kicked off the program on June 16, bringing in upwards of $1,200.
“We had a great turn-out for the event, and several people have contacted us to ask where to send their checks and how they can help,” said Capt. Rocky Bevard. “The community continues to be very supportive, and that is very much appreciated.”
Overall, program coordinators are hoping to raise $35,000 — the estimated cost to purchase and train two new full patrol K-9s, the K-9 handler’s course, two K-9 vehicle inserts and two heat alarms for the vehicles, according to K-9 Apollo handler officer Troy Newell.
“With our current dogs, Apollo and Diesel, facing retirement soon, it is imperative that we begin now the process of raising the money required to replace them,” Newell said.
BPD K-9 Supporter program
Newell and fellow K-9 (Diesel) handler officer Andrew Ward launched the BPD K-9 Supporter program after researching other departments with similar needs. Supporters can donate on varying levels — from a “Bronze Supporter” with a $50 contribution, to the “K-9 Thin Blue Line Supporter” with a donation of $500 or more. Bronze, Silver, Gold and Thin Blue Line supporters receive decals and other benefits with their donations.
Bronze Supporter — $50 contribution
Receives 1 Supporter decal
Silver Supporter — $100 contribution
Receives 2 Supporter decals
Gold Supporter — $350 contribution
Receives 2 Supporter decals and a ride-along with BPD K-9 Unit
K-9 Thin Blue Line Supporter — $500 or more contribution
Receives 2 Supporter decals, a ride-along with a BPD K-9 unit and a 9×12 plaque, customized with the donor’s information
“The Supporter decals consist of the Bartlesville Police Department badge and say ‘We Support’ on them,” Newell said. “The plaques also have the Bartlesville Police Department badge and say, ‘Supporter’ on them. The plaques will also be customized to each business or individual.”
To donate
To donate to the BPD K-9 Supporter program, send donations to:
Bartlesville Police Department K-9 Fund
Attn: Bartlesville Police Administration)
100 E. Hensley Blvd.
Bartlesville, OK 74003
Please make checks payable to “Bartlesville Police Department K-9 Fund.”
Donations may also be made in person at the police department (Police Administration Department, second floor), 100 E. Hensley Blvd., during normal business hours.
“We appreciate everyone who has taken an interest in this project and donated to the BPD K-9 Fund,” said Newell. “We will, hopefully, never have to try and raise this much money at one time again. We want to encourage people to support us every year for the minimum $50 donation. This would ensure that when we need new dogs or equipment in the future, the money will already be there and we won’t be trying to raise 35,000 all at once in the future.”
Photo: Bartlesville Police Department K-9 handler officer Troy Newell, pictured with K-9 Apollo, speaks to members of Leadership Bartlesville Class 25.