The Fredonia Police Department is adding a four-legged member to their force.

 

The City Commission is giving approval to move forward with a K-9 program for the police department. Sergeant Jeremiah Hazelwood says the program will benefit the county and neighboring cities as there are no K-9 units in the immediate area.

 

Hazelwood will serve as the department K-9 handler and says dog will provide many benefits to the city.

 

The department used to have a dog, but hasn't for years. Police Chief Bradley Pflueger has been pushing the program since taking office late last year, and the plan is to obtain a full working dog from Jefferson Working Dogs in Oregon. The cost for the K-9 and handler training is $5,000, and an additional $5,000 specialty kennel will be purchased through money from municipal court diversion and donations. Officers are soliciting donations from area businesses now that the program has been approved.