MONTPELIER — The Montpelier Police Department recently announced that it has been awarded a $32,000 grant from the Stanton Foundation to begin a new K9 Program.
This grant allows for MPO to procure a K9, covers training and logistics costs for both the animal and the handler, and pays for additional necessary equipment to outfit patrol vehicles as well as a protective vest for the dog.
After an internal selection process, Officer Mike Goslin has been nominated to serve as the K9 handler and is expected to attend training in Boston in the fall.
MPD has not had a narcotics detection dog since the retirement of K9 Jake over five years ago.
The re-start of the department’s K9 program is in response to the increase in overdoses and overdose-related fatalities in our community and throughout Washington County.
The K9 will also be able to assist in finding children, senior members suffering from cognitive-related issues, and other individuals who have become lost in the forested areas of our community.
MPD will continue its tradition of providing mutual assistance to other municipalities and law enforcement agencies across the state with its new K9 team.
