Susquehanna Township, PA – The Susquehanna Township Board of Commissioners today voted unanimously to support the reestablishment of a police K-9 Unit and the effort to raise $50,000 to acquire two nationally-certified, professionally trained dogs.

“These K-9 ‘officers’ will be a tremendous asset to the community and police department,” said Susquehanna Township President Commissioner Frank Lynch. “My fellow commissioners and I support returning a K-9 Unit to the ranks of our police department to help deter crime, preserve peace and serve as ambassadors in the community.”

In a resolution presented before the commissioners last night, the Board of Commissioners gave its support to the fundraising effort led by Director of Public Safety Robert Martin through the Susquehanna Township K-9 Fund. A GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/bring-k9-officers-back-to-susquehanna-township?utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_cp+share-sheet&utm_medium=copy_link_all

has been set up to help the community easily contribute and keep up on the program’s progress, along with a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SusquehannaTownshipK9

The funds will support the acquisition of two K-9s and support nationally certified, best-practice training and equipment for both the dogs and their human partners.

The Susquehanna Township Police Department is well-positioned to have a successful K-9 officer program. Chief Martin said that the department does not want to be dependent on other jurisdictions for the services K-9 officers provide, including search and rescue, tracking missing persons, illegal drug and explosive detection, and detaining individuals fleeing from crimes in progress. Martin noted several officers are interested in being human partners charged with the dogs’ care, training and professional engagement. Local pet supplier Abrams & Weakly has also committed to providing for the dogs’ nutritional needs.

“Susquehanna Township is a community that supports one another,” Martin said. “I hope people will consider donating to the K-9 Fund so we can best serve our community.”

“Auggie will appreciate the canine company too,” Martin added, referring to the Police Department’s recently adopted mascot and companion who was a rescued last October after the beagle-mix was found wandering the streets and homeless.

All contributions made to the Susquehanna Township K-9 Fund are tax-deductible. Contributions can be made through the GoFundMe page or by check made payable to: Susquehanna Township K-9 Fund mailed to The Susquehanna Township Police Department, 1900 Linglestown Road, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Chief Martin is authorized to fundraise on behalf of the fund as an unpaid volunteer.