Village continues to receive donations for new K-9 officer

KALKASKA – “Teska,” a German shepherd from Poland, already seems to be a popular addition to the ranks of the Kalkaska Department of Public Safety. That is, if one goes by the number of donations the Village of Kalkaska has received in support of its new K-9 officer.

The Kalkaska Village Council approved the acceptance of three donations in support of Teska at its regular monthly meeting Oct. 14, including two cash donations from local residents and a donation of dog food from an area business.

“We’ve had great community support,” said Sgt. Aaron Popa of the village’s Kalkaska Department of Public Safety.

That Teska is even part of the KDPS is due to the generosity of a business which recently located in the village.

In August, All Green Transport officially provided the village with a donation of $13,500 from the medical marijuana transport company to purchase and train a K-9 dog.

While accepting the gift, the council also authorized the creation of a new budget line item to allow for future donations in support of the K-9 unit.

“We already have the vehicle,” said Village Manager Scott Yost, who is also the KDPS director.

The new K-9 will be the partner of officer Cole Nagy, who recently returned to the local law enforcement agency after a short stay in Florida. He and his new partner are currently attending a five-week training course.

Previously, Nagy said the K-9 will be trained to detect various narcotics, on subject apprehension and detention, along with search and rescue.

In updating the village council, Popa said the training period seems to be going very well, adding that Teska is reportedly at the top of her class.

Read the full story in our regular edition of The Review. To subscribe to the paper for just $34 a year, which includes access to our full online e-edition, please go to the subscription page on this website at: http://www.antrimreview.net/subscribe/