TOWN OF POUGHKEEPSIE – A fundraiser on Saturday was held at the American Legion Post 1466 to raise money for police K9 units in two Dutchess County towns.
The Town of Poughkeepsie and Town of Hyde Park police departments both have K9 units. The Hyde Park K9 unit was recently revived after a several-year absence. In July, Hyde Park Police Officer Alec Brandow and his partner Urso completed their basic training and were introduced to the public.
The fundraiser was held by community members and the K9 units from both departments. The funds raised support joint training operations with the Hyde Park and Town of Poughkeepsie K9 units. The money is also being used for the purchase of dogs in the future.
The canines are not purchased with taxpayer dollars, according to Town of Poughkeepsie PBA Treasurer Greg Drobot. “The PBA membership and community donations purchase the dogs,” he said.
Regarding police K9 units, Drobot said it’s a benefit to the community on many levels. “It’s a huge part of our community policing – everybody loves the dogs,” he said. “These K9s are not just for the bad part of our job. They’re in our schools and interacting with our communities while providing invaluable services to the departments that have them.”
The Town of Poughkeepsie K9 unit consists of Officer Joe Lombardi and K9 Taya and Officer Vanja Mikelic, partnered with K9 Kyle. The Hyde Park unit consists of Officer Alec Brandow and K9 Urso.
Donations to the Hyde Park and Town of Poughkeepsie Police K9 programs can be sent to:
Town of Poughkeepsie PBA
PO Box 3003
Poughkeepsie, NY 12603
For additional information, email the Town of Poughkeepsie PBA by clicking here.
