UPDATE Fundraising For K-9 Program, Greenfield Police Department Disbanding K-9 Program

Photo Courtesy of Greenfield Police Department

By KENNEDY GRIFFIN

(Greenfield, MA) *Update* Acting Chief William Gordon has announced a fundraiser to save the K-9 program following community concern. He wrote that many residents have reached out and in response, if enough funds can be raised to pay for the officers almost $7,000 stipend as part of the Fair Labor Standard Act, they will continue the program with K-9 Niko.

For details on how to donate, according to the Greenfield Police Department Facebook page and Acting Chief Gordon:

“For those who wish to donate, please send a check made out to “City of Greenfield K9 fund” with “Saving Private Niko” on the memo line to the Greenfield Police Department 321 High St Greenfield, Ma 01301.”

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The Greenfield Police Department announced this afternoon that they will be disbanding the K-9 program at the end of this fiscal year (effective July 1st) due to “deep budget cuts ordered by the City Council.” 

Greenfield City Council cut $400,000 from the police department’s wages and salaries budget and as a result the department is eliminating the $6,966 stipend for K-9 Niko’s handler. This stipend is compensation for time outside of work hours spent caring for a K-9, as required by law. According to the department, Niko’s handler will have the option to keep Niko as a family pet. 

And to account for the rest of the $400,000 wages and salaries cut, the police department will have to lay off up to eight officers. 

“This is a decision I make with a heavy heart,” said Acting Police Chief William Gordon. “Niko has been a valuable and loyal member of the force, but when jobs are on the line, a K-9 program is something we just cannot afford.”