John Grant, Wetrosky, Chief Ben Murry and Ofc. Stenka

NEBRASKA CITY – The Nebraska City Police Department is in the final leg of its fundraising campaign for an additional K9 unit after a donation of $1,700 from the Western Star Lodge No. 2.

Officer Jake Stenka said a second K9 unit is an opportunity for him personally and  a force multiplier for Nebraska City.

Stenka: “Just seeing the need, whether it be for interacting with the community and bringing the dog out and socializing with people or having that ability to detect narcotics. It is another way to facilitate that. And also as a deterrence for youth in our community against drug use.”

 

Lodge president David Wetrosky said the organization wants to be active in the community.

Wetrosky: “We saw this as being a good cause for us and we decided as a group that we should donate.”

Police recently announced an anonymous donor that will match up to $25,000.

Ofc. Stenka said when the financial goal is met, the department will begin the process of getting a new dog.

Stenka: “I’ve got a family and that dog is going to live with me. I’ve got small children so I don’t want something that I’m going to have to think about bringing into my house or around my kids. I don’t want to have to worry that it’s going to bite them. That also translated over to the community because this dog needs to be able to be socialized with the community.”

The city’s current unit,  K9 Alex and Sgt. Chris Richardson, is funded entirely by donations.