The Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the LettsewK9 Foundation, a nonprofit organization devoted to raising awareness of the needs of law enforcement canines, has joined as a new member.
According to a news release, LettsewK9 — an acronym developed from the words: Law Enforcement Training Teams of Southeast Wisconsin, and combined with a homophone for the word “canine,” represented, among alternatives, as “K9” — was established in 2019.
The organization sponsors K-9 units in the communities of Lake Mills, Ripon and Watertown, and at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office.
“There are currently eight local K9s, including the new addition of K9 ‘Butch,’ who will be joining the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office after completing his training in April,” the release stated.
K-9 units work “for the community, by the community,” the release noted, meaning, the release stated, that units are not funded using taxpayer dollars.
The cost of including a K-9 unit within an agency runs between $12,000-$16,000, according to the release. Additionally, medical support, including emergency surgery for injuries sustained in the line of duty, can add to overall costs.
“The LettsewK9 Foundation is prepared to help with these costly veterinary needs. LettsewK9 also raises funds to purchase, maintain and train K9 units. The organization recently approved funding for a specialized training course for K9 handlers and local EMTs. They will learn life-saving procedures for dogs who are injured while on duty. This training ensures that first aid kits have canine-friendly supplies and that officers are confident in treating dogs on the scene prior to transporting them to the hospital,” the release read.
The organization is operated by individuals who are passionate about supporting law enforcement K-9 units and has achieved growth over the last two years, the release stated, adding that the group’s mission is to “support the paws that enforce the laws.”
For more information about the organization, visit: www.lettsewk9foundation.com.
LettsewK9 Foundation board members Rachelle Merson and Jeff Tyron, from left, followed by the group’s vice president, Destiny Roth, President Connie Jansen, and Secretary Jaci Hillson, pose with organization signage while receiving a membership plaque from the Fort Atkinson Area Chamber of Commerce. Also on hand, but not pictured, are nonprofit group board member Pam Brotzman and Treasurer Betsy Zande. Fort Atkinson Area Chamber Ambassador Stephanie Von Alven, not pictured, presented the plaque. Contributed photo.
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