By KENNEDY GRIFFIN
(Greenfield, MA) *Update* The remainder of the funding needed for the K-9 program for this year has been raised. A donation made by Valley Steel Stamp Inc. ensured the necessary funding according to the Greenfield Police Department who also wrote in their statement, “We can’t say how proud we are to be here in such a supportive community.”
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A community fundraiser has saved the Greenfield Police Department’s K-9 unit for the 2023 fiscal year. After the budget reduction was announced, the Greenfield Police Department listed the K-9 unit as one of the resulting cuts. However, many residents said they would be willing to make donations to keep the program going. As a result, the Greenfield Police Department was able to raise around $6,000 of the $7,000 needed for the K-9 handler’s stipend – compensation for the care of the dog outside of work hours as required by law.
Acting Police Chief William Gordon is confident the department will be able to raise the remaining funds for the program throughout the year. To donate to the fundraiser, Chief Gordon said to “send a check made out to “City of Greenfield” with “K9 fund” on the memo line and send it into the Greenfield Police Department 321 High Street Greenfield Ma 01301.”