My wife wrote in this past Saturday’s “The Barking Lot” blog:

Here in Franklin we are fortunate to have a well-run, highly effective police department. Kevin and I lament our ungodly taxes. They’re way out of line. However we strongly support our financial backing of the men and women who serve and protect daily.

Now the FPD needs even more help.

Like many other local police forces Franklin is dependent on canine (K-9) resources that prove to be invaluable.

“The K-9 program is a very important part of police operations,” Franklin Police Chief Rick Oliva told us.

“Police dogs provide a variety of services. In addition to locating illegal drugs, searching for people, and assisting in arrests of uncooperative suspects, they provide safety and support to their police officer partners.”

In Franklin the need is especially great.

“Since we need to replace all three of our dogs this year, community support has and will be an important component in funding K-9 operations,” said Chief Oliva.

One of Franklin’s dogs had to be euthanized and the other two are very close to retirement age.

“Most law enforcement agencies do not have a budget for the purchase, training or protection of police K-9s. They heavily rely on generous public and/or corporate donations.”
The National Police Dog Foundation

Next Thursday, February 23, one of our favorite restaurants in Franklin is holding a special fundraiser to support the Franklin Police Department’s K-9 Patrol Unit.

From 11am to 8pm on Thursday  10% of the restaurant’s sales will go to the purchase of a K9 dog for the FPD. The fund raiser is being hosted by the Franklin Police Citizen Academy Alumni.

This article is dated 2003, but it gives you some idea of the costs associated with a police K-9 unit.

So consider dining at the Point After Pub & Grille on Thursday, whether you live in Franklin or not. Ask for owner Dave Bartels, a very good guy, and tell him you heard about it here.

BTW, I highly recommend the Pot Roast Sandwich!
—Jennifer Fischer