Fundraising Efforts Begin In Vernon For New Police Dog

VERNON, Connecticut — A group of Vernon residents and business people is mobilizing to raise funds for a new police dog for the local department following the unexpected passing of canine officer Thor.

Thor, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois/German Shepherd mix who served with Vernon Police Officer Bryan Sembersky for seven years, died Oct. 16 from medical complications.

The effort for a new dog is being spearheaded by longtime resident Lisa Moody, along with Tim Poloski, Polly Schaefer, Julie Clay, Laura Bush, Patty Noblet, Kathy Stavens, Martha Cain and Russell DeBella.

The goal, officials said, is to raise $30,000 to buy a specially-bred canine, purchase any necessary equipment for the dog and pay for the weeks-long training with a police officer handler. The new dog would complement Tengo, who is 5 years old and currently the only canine for the department.

The goal is to raise the funds by the end of the year.

"Vernon residents are consistently generous and always supportive of our police department. I am confident our friends and neighbors will help us exceed our goal," Moody said.

Shortly after Thor's passing, several businesses and individuals stepped up to offer contributions and a $15,000 challenge grant was established. Therefore, if the community contributes $15,000, the amount will be matched the goal of $30,000 will then be met.

"I am especially grateful to the generous individuals and business leaders who established our challenge grant," Moody said. "Their civic spirit is inspiring."

The donors include Alan Friedman of Superior Energy, Jerry Bundy, Tom Scranton of Scranton
Motors, Richard Clay of Clay Furniture Industries, Cliff Chapman of the Mansions at Hockanum Crossing, Kevin
Santini of Santini Villa Apartments and Mike Baum of Farm Car Care.

More than a dozen donation canisters have been placed at local restaurants and other establishments around
town so that the residents of Vernon may participate in the fundraising effort.

Moody said people can also write a check payable to the Town of Vernon, with "police dog" written on the
memo line. Checks can be mailed to Town of Vernon, Finance Department, 2nd Floor, 14 Park Place, Vernon, CT
06066. The funds will be held in an existing Town Council-approved account dedicated to the acquisition of a
new police dog, related equipment and training.

At the conclusion of the fundraising effort, the Town Council will consider a resolution to accept the donations.