Plaistow K-9 Fundraiser Reaches One-Third of $15K Goal

(Photograph courtesy of Town of Plaistow, N.H.)

A fundraising effort by the Plaistow, N.H. Police Department to “replace and train another” police dog and upgrade its K-9 cruiser reaches nearly one third of its $15,000 goal in less than two weeks.

Plaistow Police Chief Kathleen A. Jones Thursday thanked residents and business partners who have helped raise $4,720 for the program following the “premature death” of  K-9 “Kracken.”

“In addition, the funding will allow us to outfit the K-9 cruiser with all the equipment needed such as a rear platform, a cooling system, emergency notification alarm (if the car is overheated), an automatic door release and a bulletproof vest for the dog,” Jones wrote. The upgrades will allow “a dedicated K-9 police cruiser that will meet all the safety standards for the working dog,” according to a police flyer.

“The Plaistow Police Department has had a successful K-9 program in place for many years. The K-9 has helped to find missing children and adults with Alzheimer issues, criminals that flee from the police and is involved in many community events and demonstrations. The K-9 can search for and locate illegal drugs, which is needed more than ever to combat the current opiate epidemic facing our community. Lastly, the K-9 can search for and find lost articles and evidence from crimes such as burglary,” a statement reads.

Donations may be sent to the Plaistow Police Department, 27 Elm St., Plaistow N.H., 03865. Checks should be made payable to the Town of Plaistow and write “K-9 donation” in the memo line.

For more information, contact Plaistow police Sgt. Alec Porter at 603-382-1200, or e-mail [email protected].