News

February 8, 2010

Benefit hopes to raise funds for Kingston Police Department dog

By Edward Lewis elewis@timesleader.com
Staff Writer
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WYOMING – Wyoming Borough Mayor Robert Boyer said he knows the importance of mutual aid for West Side emergency agencies.

That’s why the borough is hosting a fundraiser Friday to help raise money for the Kingston Police Department to purchase a new police dog.

The two-hour benefit at Bo Brother’s Restaurant, 2004 Wyoming Ave., begins at 5 p.m. There will be free pizza, happy hour specials and a live broadcast from Magic 93, Boyer said.

A donation of $5 is being sought at the door.

“I anticipate a packed house,” Boyer said. “We’re getting a lot of positive feedback that the event will be a success.”

Boyer said the borough is helping Kingston police raise money to replace Sax, handled by Sgt. Michael Krzywicki.

Sax, a German shepherd, has been on the force since 2001 and is nearing retirement due to an illness of the spinal cord. After retirement, Sax will be Kryzwicki’s family companion.

“A canine benefits the towns on this side of the river,” Boyer said. “We have worked with Kingston over the years and hope to continue to do so.”

Sax is trained in the detection of explosives and has served various law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Secret Service, state police and local police departments.

The Kingston Police Department has had two canine units for several years, one trained in narcotics and Sax.

Stinger, a Doberman, joined the force after the untimely death of police dog Masco in July 2008. Stinger is handled by police Sgt. Sam Blaski and was funded by donations from the community.

Recently, veterinarian Dr. Inayatullah Kathio, who has cared for Sax, hosted a rabies vaccination clinic with some of the proceeds directed to pay for a new canine in Kingston.

Anyone interested in making a donation may do so by sending a check payable to the Kingston Police K-9 Unit Fund at the Kingston Police Department, 500 Wyoming Ave., Kingston, PA 18704.

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