Perkins police acquiring second four-legged officer

PERKINS TWP. — Someone just threw about the biggest bone imaginable for Perkins police's K-9 operation.An anonymous donor pledged $54,000 so township police commanders can purchase the department's second police dog.Perkins Township trustees accepted the gift, the largest donation ever for K-9 operations, during Tuesday's public meeting.The amount should completely cover costs for training, food, medical-related procedures and a brand new cruiser specifically outfitted for a furry, four-legged officer. Officials won't spend one cent in public money for any police dog purpose.Perkins police Chief Ken Klamar expects the department to select a police dog from overseas and ship it stateside by Jan. 1. After some training, the dog should begin patrols sometime in mid-2017.The dog will work alongside K-9 Uganda, a sworn officer for about five years."A second K-9 will give us more coverage during a 24-hour day," Klamar said. "We'll most likely have a dog available seven days a week."K-9s can serve many beneficial purposes for a law enforcement department and the community, according to officials.But, beyond tracking down suspects and performing drug searches, police dogs play important roles to build goodwill between cops and residents.Studies show people, and especially children, are more likely to approach a uniformed officer — whether to report a crime or just to socialize — with a dog versus an official without one. Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOurielPerkins Township officials recently received a $54,000 donation to purchase a second police dog, which will work alongside K-9 Uganda (pictured).