New MPD K-9 officer crowd-funded
The Minden Police Dept. would like to introduce Tigo, Minden’s future K-9 officer.
Police Chief Steve Cropper said in a press release that Tigo was chosen just Monday.
“Two of Minden’s Police Officers, Capt. Marvin Garrett, and Officer Shane Griffith traveled to the U.S. K-9 Unlimited, Inc. Abbeville, Louisiana. Their objective was to handpick the most suitable K-9 for the Minden Police Dept,” Cropper said.
“After observing Tigo work, and examining Tigo’s medical records and X-rays he was chosen to be Minden’s next K-9 unit.”
According to the release, Tigo is a two-year-old imported German Shepherd. He will be a duel trained K-9, in Narcotic Detection and Patrol Functions.
However, Tigo will not be purchased with city funds.
“Approximately two weeks ago a decision was made to begin asking for donations to fund a new K-9 unit,” Cropper said.
“The cost was extremely high, and due to the Police Departments limited budget, we decided to ask for outside help.”
Cropper said the crowd-funding effort has been very successful.
“The people of Minden and local businesses have really stepped up the plate,” he said. “In a short two weeks, we have raised over half the cost.”
Tigo, his training, and his handlers training will cost $15,800.00.
Outside of the donations we have received, the Minden Police Department is selling T-shirts for $25.00 each.
“We have youth sizes S-L and also adult sizes S-XXXL,” Cropper said. “The shirts can be purchased at the Minden Police Department or Ramsey’s Southern Outfitters, located at 457 Highway 531.”
In addition, there are other fund raisers on the horizon.
“In the near future we are partnering with Ramsey’s Southern Outfitters to do a 30-gun raffle, drawing a winner every day for 30 days,” Cropper said.
“We are also planning a Chicken Plate Dinner, catered by Jimmy Hall on Tuesday, July 31. Tickets will be $10.00 ea. and plates can be picked up at the Minden Civic Center parking lot between 4 p.m. -6 p.m.
“Again, I sincerely thank all the citizens and businesses for the outgoing support. It truly means so much to us, knowing that the people of Minden are behind their Police Department.”
