(KNSI) — The Benton County Sheriff’s Office is teaming up with the Central Minnesota K9 Foundation to raise money for a new K9 partner.
Getting a new K9 partner can cost around $25,000 for the dog, equipment and training. To help cover that, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office received a $5,000 matching grant from the foundation, a nonprofit organization founded by a former Benton County deputy sheriff. The foundation will match up to $5,000 raised by donations from individuals, businesses, and community groups during a 30 day campaign that kicks off today, September 16th.
In April 2024, the department’s only K9, Ragnar, retired after seven years of dedicated service, leaving what officials say is a crucial gap in the resources available for public safety. A press release says K9 officers play a vital role in tasks such as searching for missing people, detecting illegal drugs, locating crime scene evidence, and tracking down suspects.
Anyone interested in helping can send a check or money order made out to the Central MN K9 Foundation and mailed to the foundation’s address at 8239 55th St NE, Foley, MN 56329. There is also a donate button on the foundation’s website.
Contributions are also being collected through Venmo or PayPal using the QR codes found here.
Donations can be made in person at any Falcon Bank location by specifying a donation to the Central MN K9 Foundation’s Benton County K9 grant.
For the past 17 years, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office K9 program has been entirely funded by public generosity.
The sheriff’s office plans to use the donations and grant funding to get the new K9 by early next year.
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