NORTH GRAFTON, Mass.–Homefield Credit Union is providing financial support to a new K9 program at a local police department.
The Grafton Board of Selectmen recently approved a pilot K9 program for the Grafton Police Department. This came about with the hiring of former Paxton K9 officer Joseph Coggans, who has 15 years of experience as a K9 handler and has been working with a K9 named Zita, a six-year-old German Shepherd trained and certified as a patrol/narcotics dog.
The anticipated annual cost of the K9 program is expected to be $3,000 to $5,000, which would be raised through fundraising and donations. Homefield Credit Union said it was eager to jump on board to support the effort.
Employees at Homefield Credit Union recently had an opportunity to meet Zita. In exchange for a monetary donation to support the Grafton Police Department K9 Program, Homefield Credit Union employees were allowed to “Dress Down For Charity” during the last two weeks of April. In addition to employee donations, members of the public also donated, bringing the total collected over the two-week period to $525.
“We are always happy to support the efforts of first responders,” said HCU President and CEO Karl Moisan.
“They put their lives on the line every day to protect us and our community. Police dogs are an integral part of that effort. They help the police to solve crimes and have saved many lives with their unique skills and bravery. This is a very positive thing for Grafton and we are proud to lend our support.”