Police dogs save lives.
Supporting Anchorage Police Department K9 Unit
Police dogs save lives.
Supporting Anchorage Police Department K9 Unit
K9 Unit Team
ANCHORAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 UNIT MISSION
The mission of the Anchorage Police Department (APD) K9 Unit is to train, develop and deploy police service dog teams to support the various operational sections of the department in achieving the police mission in the safest and most efficient manner possible.
HISTORY & INCEPTION OF THE APD K9
ANCHORAGE POLICE DEPARTMENT K9 UNIT MISSION
The mission of the Anchorage Police Department (APD) K9 Unit is to train, develop and deploy police service dog teams to support the various operational sections of the department in achieving the police mission in the safest and most efficient manner possible.
HISTORY & INCEPTION OF THE APD K9 UNIT
The APD K9 Unit was created in the wake of Officer John Flora's death in 1975. Officer Flora was shot and killed after responding to a burglary at a local drug treatment center. Once on scene, Officer Flora noticed a broken window and shined his flashlight for a better look. As he pushed open the window and began climbing in, a shot was fired that fatally struck him in the head.
Officer Flora's widow created a memorial fund in his name with the purpose of providing necessary funds to purchase canines that support patrol officers with high-risk incidents.
On July 17th, 1986 Canine Officer Harry B. Hanson was shot and killed while assisting on a K9 track of a suspect who had shot at another APD officer, stolen a police car, crashed the vehicle and fled on foot. During the track, the suspect opened fire killing Officer Hanson.
Officer Hanson’s widow created a memorial fund in his name with the intention of assisting the canine unit with the cost of advanced training and equipment.
In August of 1987 Dollars for Dog's Inc. was created when they combined both memorial funds into one incorporation.
ABOUT THE K9 UNIT
The K9 unit is comprised of one sergeant and multiple police service dog teams. Each team is made up of an Anchorage police officer trained as a dog handler with their assigned canine partner. They attend specialized and ongoing training to ensure they are functioning at the highest level to support patrol operations.
Their primary duties include building searches, tracking suspects, evidence searches, protecting police officers and citizens from acts of violence, public relations and any situation where a canine’s unique capabilities can be effectively utilized. Some of the canines are dual trained as patrol detector dogs for drug detection work.
Our History
Dollars for Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a Tax ID #92-0117534. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. All patrol dogs are selected by trained APD dog handlers, and subjected to a series of rigorous tests to evaluate their potential to work as police service dogs. After se
Dollars for Dogs, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with a Tax ID #92-0117534. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. All patrol dogs are selected by trained APD dog handlers, and subjected to a series of rigorous tests to evaluate their potential to work as police service dogs. After selection by APD, the dogs are purchased by Dollars for Dogs, and donated to the Anchorage Police Department. Without the financial support received from Dollars for Dogs, Inc. the Municipality of Anchorage could not achieve and maintain the APD K-9 Unit as it is today.
The Board of Directors and members of Dollars for Dogs, Inc. are all volunteers. They meet monthly, usually at APD, to discuss the financial status of the Corporation, projected expenditures in the form of gifts to APD along with fundraising events and other related issues. They have done this for close to 40 years without monetary compensation.
We reap the benefits from their dedicated stewardship, foresight, and unfailing support to the Anchorage Police Department K-9 Unit
Our Mission
Since 1987 Dollars for Dogs, Inc. has worked tirelessly in support of the Anchorage Police Department and citizens of Anchorage. This kind of support, and having high-caliber officers, has helped to make the Anchorage Police Department K-9 Unit known throughout the United States and Canada.
Our goal has been to ensure that each officer h
Since 1987 Dollars for Dogs, Inc. has worked tirelessly in support of the Anchorage Police Department and citizens of Anchorage. This kind of support, and having high-caliber officers, has helped to make the Anchorage Police Department K-9 Unit known throughout the United States and Canada.
Our goal has been to ensure that each officer has available the finest dog, equipment, and training to protect and serve the public. With the donations received from private citizens, businesses, veterans’ organizations, and service organizations like the Pythian Sisters, Rotary Club, Lion’s Club, and others, our goals have largely been met. The Anchorage Police Department does not have to rely on the usual government bid process to buy their K-9s or equipment, consequently, they are able to afford the best available. Dollars for Dogs members are volunteer, and 90% of donated funds go to purchase animals and equipment for APD’s K-9 Unit.
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