The Mount Gilead Police Department will soon have a new K-9 officer to join its staff.
The 28-month-old German Sheperd Nik von der Planwarte will pair with Sgt. Tom Cronenwett after council approved a resolution for the department to purchase the dog.
Cronenwett evaluated three dogs for the position, choosing Nik as the top candidate.
“Nik stuck out a little more than the other dogs,” Cronenwett explained. “An anonymous donor has agreed to purchase Nik for the village.”
The new K-9 officer will join the department at no cost to village taxpayers.
Petland in Columbus has agreed to provide all food, supplements, toys and any other necssary equipment for Cronenwett and Nik.
Aditionally, Dr. James Prothman of The Village Veternarian Clinic offered to perform all routine medical services at no cost to the village.
“We want the (K-9 officer) program to be self-funded and not a burden on taxpayers,” Cronenwett said. “But we want the services to be available.”
The Mount Gilead Police Sergent also proposed a golf outing fund raising event for the program at the Mount Gilead Pine Lakes Golf Course.
