A $3,000 check was donated to the St. Clair Township Police Department, helping pave the way toward purchase of an additional dog for the department’s K-9 program.

Noelle Amato, representing the Pete Amato Foundation, handed the check to Detective Keith Hilderbrand, who has been selected by Chief Brian McKenzie as the department’s second K-9 officer, joining current K-9 team of Officer Josh Jackson and his canine partner Noras.

The department is currently accepting donations toward the cost of the new dog, which will be about $15,500.

In addition to the purchase price of the trained and nationally-certified, dual-purpose dog, other costs associated with bringing on a second K-9 team will bring the total to $70,000, according to information provided by Hilderbrand.

This includes the handler’s course and certification, necessary equipment for the dog and a specially-equipped cruiser for the K-9 team.

The current K-9 program is operated strictly by donations and not tax dollars, and the department is seeking financial assistance from the community to add this second K-9 unit. Checks should be made out to the St. Clair Township FOP #210 “K9 Fund,” with all donations tax-deductible since the FOP is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization.

In a recent donation solicitation letter, Chief McKenzie wrote that the department “has been blessed with years of support from the residents, businesses and communities,” adding, “We believe this year has shown everyone the importance of working together as a community to improve the lives of all. (The department) wants to assure everyone, no matter the circumstance, we will always be here to serve you through our core values of service, integrity, respect and resourcefulness.”

He said the decision to add a second K-9 was “simply due to the large number of cases where K-9 teams have been instrumental and vital to job performance.”

As a dually-trained K-9, the dog will help with location of drugs/narcotics in vehicle and building searches; criminal tracking and apprehension; locating lost or endangered citizens; officer protection; and informational programs, including at schools, to build community relations.

In regard to community support, McKenzie said his department “sincerely thanks you for your help in protecting our community and keeping our streets safe.”

McKenzie and his partner Dan served as SCPD’s first K-9 team.

Questions about the K-9 program or about donating can be made to Hilderbrand at 330-386-3585, Ext. 6131 or (khilderbrand@stclairtwp.com) or to Chief McKenzie at 330-386-3585, Ext. 6109 or (bmckenzie@stclairtwp).