Properly trained dogs can be one of a police officer’s most trusted companions. Since 1983, Longmont has had a K9 unit, which has grown to the point where there are now two dog and handler teams to support public safety operations.
The costs for police K9 training, care, equipment, and retirement can add up. In 2020, the department budgeted $15,000 for K9 operations, but additional expenses can occur. When the standard public safety department funding doesn’t cover something, The Longmont Police K-9 Association, a volunteer-run nonprofit, is there to step in.
Such was the case late this summer when it was determined that one of the force’s longtime police dogs, a female eight-year-old Dutch shepherd named Vetti, was slated to take retirement.
While in service, Vetti was involved in tracking suspects, locating illegal narcotics, and encouraging peaceful surrenders. Once retired, she is expected to return to live at her handler’s home to receive medical attention and otherwise enjoy plenty of treats and belly rubs.
In addition to other medical issues, Vetti has been diagnosed recently with canine cancer. The diagnosis not only confirmed the decision to leave service, it also created a greater funding need. The nonprofit jumped into action to support the pup and handler, creating a Go Fund Me page to help with Vetti’s medical care, and training of her replacement Delta, a one-year-old Belgian Malinois.
Previously, the nonprofit hosted multiple demonstration-based events where the community could see how the dogs work and the results of their training. Now their fundraising is conducted remotely.
The Longmont Police K9 Association’s all-volunteer staff has a strong level of experience to help it fulfill its mission. It was founded and is led by President Paula Gurak, who came from a previous law enforcement background while living in Texas, where she helped to purchase a dog for her department.
Gurak founded the Longmont K9 organization after a chance encounter with an officer while they were both having lunch at the former ChuBurger on Ken Pratt Blvd. “I saw the K9 markings on a police vehicle. Then... I was at the drink station with one of the officers. I asked him if that was his K-9 unit. Eventually, I started asking other questions and told him my history.”
The officer introduced her to other members of the unit and, eventually, she became involved in identifying funding solutions for the Longmont K9 unit.
Gurak said, “We need this because K9 units are typically underfunded and, with COVID-19, funding hasn’t gotten easier. How many departments are seeing deficits and having to cut and trim budgets?”
Longmont Police officers said they value these dogs because they’re one of the only tools that an officer can deploy which also can be recalled. Longmont Sergeant Tim Madigan, who received his K9 partner, Andor, in 2009, said, “It was a dream realized, an amazing experience.”
Madigan explained further, “There were things we wouldn’t have found without the dog. Drugs behind insulation in a basement. Finding dangerous individuals that fled from the police. We couldn’t have done it as safely without my partner...he kept our officers out of harm’s way.”
And Madigan said that the efforts by the Canine Association are appreciated. “Without a doubt, the Association helps us. It supplements what we can do as a department.”
