Coventry Police K-9 Nixo Up For $15,000 Equipment Prize

COVENTRY, RI — Coventry police K-9 Nixo is in a contest to win a $15,000 grant, and he needs the help of residents to win.

The "Hometown Heroes Grant Giveaway" is a national contest run by Hometown Foundation Inc. It gives a $15,000 grant to a police K-9 that "exemplified true commitment to their town by protecting and serving."

Nixo, a 1-year-old Dutch Shepherd, has served on the Coventry police force for six months alongside Officer Brandon Sullivan. Nixo finished K-9 school on Jan. 14, but has already helped the department find illegal drugs, Sullivan said.

"The Town of Coventry is unique as the eastern portion of town is densely populated while the western portion is rural," Sullivan said on Hometown Foundation's website. "The town is also the largest by land mass in the state. With these dimensions and elements to consider, having the ability to deploy a K-9 Unit is essential. From narcotics searches to tracks of missing people, K-9 Nixo will be invaluable to our agency."

Those that want to vote for Nixo can do so here. The voting deadline is Feb. 28.