Donations pay for new HPD canine

By Staff
Tracy B. Cieniewicz, Hartselle Enquirer
Community support has added an additional officer to the Hartselle Police Department.
With civic and private donations, HPD plans to purchase a new K-9 dog before the end of the year. The department's previous K-9 dog was retired nearly two years ago, according to Lt. Tom Sparks.
The city council approved the purchase at its last council meeting. Chief Ron Merkh said if the department receives all donations pledged, the city should not have any expenses for the dog for the first year and may even have funds leftover.
The purchase price of the 15-month-old German Shepherd is estimated at $2,500. Merkh told the council the dog should cost the city approximately $800-$1,000 per year for food and general medical care.
"We're really looking forward to getting the new K-9 dog," Sparks said. "He'll be well trained and live with his handler. This dog will be a huge asset to our department and instrumental in many of our investigations, especially those that are drug-related."