Arcata Looks For Donations To Add Another K-9 Unit

Holiday gifts welcome for all-volunteer pooch purchasing effort

Humboldt Sentinel
12/24/08
By Sentinel Staff

ARCATA -- Citizen volunteers draw near their goal, this holiday season, of raising enough money to purchase a second patrol service K-9.

The Arcata Police Department is in the final preparation stages to welcome the new K-9 unit in the new year, in time for the 30-day training session that begins on March 1, according to an APD release. Once the money is raised and training completed, the new K-9 team is set to hit the streets in April.

Officer Greg Pope, the new APD handler for the second K-9, announced that the home for the new canine is ready and waiting thanks to the generosity of the community.

The new unit builds on the success of local residents providing the resources necessary to add “Zari” to the force since Aug. 1. The APDs first canine, Zari continues to work 12-hour shifts with sergeant Ron Sligh, and also receives continuous training with monthly professional sessions with the Eureka and Fortuna K-9 units.

“[He] keeps up his end of that team very well,” the release stated. “Zari continues to impress everyone, as he is extremely intelligent, obedient, and is always focused on commands.”

Holiday donations to the K-9 Trust Fund are welcome -- and are tax deductible all year round. They maybe sent care of Arcata City Hall, 736 F St., Arcata, CA 95521.