For the 12th year—and the second time in town—the Bellefontaine Police Department (BPD) hosted their annual K9 fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 16.
Featuring Nelson’s Catering port-a-pit BBQ chicken, supporters had the option of eating their meal at the BPD while watching these special dogs at work or grabbing it to go at the event’s makeshift drive-thru. After all the proceeds were counted, the dinner brought in $8,150 to go toward the care of the BPD K9, Pyro.
The dog lives and works with his “partner,” Officer Jerrod Hostetler. Pyro is transported in style thanks to a take-home car that’s specifically outfitted for a canine, including a kennel insert. As a result, Hostetler doesn’t transport suspects.
“We’re ahead this year, which is great,” Hostetler said regarding ticket purchases. “Everybody loves the dogs, and what they can do is amazing.”
In fact, just last week, Pyro alerted to narcotics during a traffic stop, leading officers to find cocaine, fentanyl and a loaded handgun.
K9 teams from Columbus, Marysville and London police departments were also at Saturday’s event. Because of the heat, the dogs were kept in their air-conditioned kennels when they weren’t showing the community what they could do.
According to Police Chief Chris Marlow, they sold out of the 600 dinners available ahead of the event.
“But about 10 percent of the meals don’t get picked up, typically,” he added. “At 6 o’clock, there’s a ‘fire sale.’ Whatever’s leftover is sold on a first come, first serve basis.”
Up next, the BPD is holding Cops & Bobbers, a free community fishing event on Wednesday, Aug. 20, from 4 to 7 p.m. at YMCA Camp Willson. For more information, visit the department’s Facebook page.
