Crime & Safety

Military Man Leads Charge for New K-9 for Monroe Police Department

The Monroe Police Department has chosen "Murphy," a 15-month-old German Shepherd Dog, as their K-9.

A local man is on a special mission to raise money for a new police K-9 for the Monroe Police Department.

Chris Sweetwood, from Shelton’s Trap Falls Kennel Club (TFKC), is the AKC Delegate for Trap Falls Kennel Club. He had a former career in the military and law enforcement, and knows firsthand the importance of K-9 police dogs.

According to Stephanie Smith of the American Kennel Club, “police K-9s are essential members of law enforcement and perform vital tasks that humans cannot, but costs are high, with dogs averaging $10,000.”

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“In some communities K-9s may not be purchased at all or may not be replaced upon retirement due to budgetary restrictions,” Smith said.

Sweetwood has set up a Go Fund Me page with all funds being donated directly to the Monroe Police Department. The fundraiser is being matched in part by AKC Reunite. As of this posting, they have raised $2,292 of their $12,000 goal.

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The Monroe Police Department has chosen “Murphy,” a 15-month-old German Shepherd Dog, as their K-9. Murphy is currently training in narcotics detection, tracking and obedience.

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