On Monday, Oct. 3, the Johnston Police Department (JPD) received a $10,000 Community Betterment Grant for the department’s K9 fundraising campaign. Polk County Supervisor Bob Brownell presented the check on behalf of the Board of Supervisors.
The Johnston Police Department’s K9 program will be unique to the Des Moines metro area. While most police K9 teams are certified in narcotics detection, the Johnston Police K9 will be certified in explosives detection. JPD’s K9 unit will also provide traditional specialty services such as building searches, tracking, handler protection, suspect apprehension, and item/evidence recovery.
“This new K9 team will allow our department to boost its focus on our most important mission of community caretaking, while also providing additional security measures to our greater community, school system, and augment services to critical areas such as Camp Dodge and Joint Forces Headquarters,” said Police Chief Dennis McDaniel. “Johnston has become a destination location for well attended community gatherings, and continues to be a recreational hub for family activities and special events. We appreciate Polk County’s unwavering support of regional public safety services, and this K9 program will embrace this model. This is an opportunity to enhance local services and aid our metro law enforcement partners in ensuring the safety of our residents and visitors.”
The fundraising efforts continue through the Johnston Police Officers Association. The association has raised approximately half of the $110,000 fundraising goal, but is always looking for additional donations. The department expects the K9 to be ready in the Johnston community by late summer 2023.
Donations are accepted for the fundraising of the K9 in the following ways:
- Mail or deliver a check: Johnston Police Officers Association, Attn: K9, 6373 Merle Hay Road, Johnston, IA 50131. Checks can be payable to Johnston Police Officer’s Association.
- Online: https://bit.ly/JohnstonK9Program
Tax-deductible donations of any amount are welcomed and appreciated. All donations are payable to the Johnston Police Officers Association, a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, with “K9 Fund” placed in the memo line.
Questions regarding donations for the K9 can be directed to jpoa@cityofjohnston.com or 515-278-2345.