Donations aid in keeping police dog
February 16th, 2009 | by admin |While Gallitzin borough officials are getting nervous about the costs of their new police K-9, Cambria Township’s police dog is bringing in the donations.
Some young Boy Scouts came in last week with about $50 in coins they had saved for Alli, township Officer James McGough’s canine partner.
A letter sent out by McGough about a week ago already has brought in about $400 in donations from local businesses.
Even doggy services are donated – routine veterinary exams by Ebensburg vet Jim Takacs, and regular grooming by Pam Balough of Cambria Township.
From the beginning, McGough’s career-long wish of working with a police dog was made possible through generous donations.
The dog was purchased with a donation from Dan and Fran Decker of Diamond Jewelers on Jamesway Road in the township.
They approached the supervisors in later 2007 with the offer.
By early 2008 the supervisors unanimously approved adding a police dog to the force, and in the spring Alli and McGough were trained for six weeks in Ohio.
Alli is now certified as a drug-detection and patrol dog.
Sworn in on July 4, she went to work. Now, she’s just like a veteran – an expensive one, at that.
So McGough reached out for help. He wrote to business leaders in the area, asking for donations:
“My goal as the K-9 officer is to raise funds for equipment and training purposes to keep the K-9 program a success,” he wrote.
“The Cambria Township Police Department believes that having a police K-9 is an asset to both the police and the community. We hope that you consider making a donation so that we may continue serving and protecting our community,” he said.
McGough also offered K-9 demonstrations to those who are interested.
via The Tribune Democrat, Johnstown, PA – Donations aid in upkeep of township’s police dog.