Continuing the fight against heroin and other illegal and dangerous drugs, the City of Fort Mitchell Police Department is seeking support to purchase and care for a police dog.
Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell (MBFM) along with Camporosso, a new Fort Mitchell soon-to-open wood-fired pizza restaurant, Skyline Chili, Fort Mitchell Veterinary Center and Atlas Home Fitness, have stepped up to help.
Unleashing the “Shane’s Best Friend” campaign this week, the goal is to raise the $30,000 which is needed to secure, train and house the city’s first K-9 officer. The city has launched ShanesBestFriend.com to allow the public to learn about the project and contribute through a secure online site.
Specialist Shane Best is leading the project and will assist in training and will care for and house the K-9 after completion of the six-week training program.
“Having a highly trained dog on our police force will enhance our ability to track suspects, search cars and make our community safer for the residents,” said Specialist Best. “Our dog will be available 24/7 and will also assist us with keeping drugs out of our local schools. We appreciate the support from Mercedes-Benz of Fort Mitchell and the other community partners for championing this campaign.”
“Working with community partners and sponsors, we are confident that the funds will be available for Specialist Best to move forward with securing a K-9 for Fort Mitchell,” said Mercedes-Benz Marketing Manager, Dan Bell. “Being here in Fort Mitchell, we are aware of the growing need to combat the heroin problem and are proud to step up to assist the police department and help the community with this vital resource.” MBFM is providing marketing and promotion materials including posters and social marketing and a life-size cutout of Specialist Best and dog that will be staged at the city building.
A fundraising event at Camporosso’s is planned for early December. The $30,000 cost for the K-9 program includes the dog along with training, equipment and training sleeves, a vest and other drug-related items.
For more information, to make a contribution or to offer a creative one-day show of support at your business, visit ShanesBestFriend.com or contact Dan Bell at MBFM at dbell@mbfm.com.
