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Reky is riding in style, thanks to generous community
By Lititz Record
Lititz Record Express
Published: Jun 27, 2008 1:39 PM EST
Lititz -
Lititz's K-9 unit recently started cruising the borough in a 2008 Ford
Expedition. The specially-outfitted K-9 vehicle cost a little over $30,000,
and it was fully funded through community donations.
The
borough's K-9 unit, which has been on duty for more than a decade, is
for the most part operated through community support. The borough covers
the cost of vehicle insurance, professional liability for dog, fuel, and
the officer's salary. Everything else is donated, according to Chief
William Seace.
"We started getting donations (for the new
vehicle) last October," Seace said. "By the end of December, we
raised the $30,000. It's so wonderful to think of the backing the
community gives to this police department and to this K-9 unit. This
community absolutely backs this K-9 unit 100 percent. I don't think
you'll find a K-9 unit anywhere in Pennsylvania that's supported
like this. The police department and the borough are very grateful for the
generous support."
More than 400 donors, ranging from $3 to in
excess of $2,500, backed the project.
Officer Ken Wolfe and his five
and a half year old German Shepherd Reky make up Lititz's K-9
force.
"They're used every day in this borough," Seace
explained, "but they're also assisting neighboring forces, and
outside county as well."
Reky has been a key force in solving
bank robberies, drug searches, locating lost people and finding various
suspects. Last April, he helped state police find two ounces of pure
cocaine in a suspicious vehicle on the turnpike.
Seace also pointed
out that the Lititz Vet Clinic donates all medical care, the Lititz Lions
Club covers annual training costs, Weiser's Market donates food, and
the Lititz Sign Co. donated all graphics for new vehicle.
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