The money will also go toward installing new heating and cooling systems for the K-9 in a police vehicle
The Evesham Township Police Department is used to helping members of the public, but recently some members of the public were able to help the department, all thanks to their work through the Evesham Township Police Foundation.
At a recent township council meeting, the Evesham Township Police Foundation presented the department with a $10,000 check to help the department pay for a new police K-9 officer and outfit a police vehicle with heating and cooling systems needed to transport the K-9 through town.
Chief of Police Christopher Chew describes the foundation as a non-profit organization that helps the department by supporting programs and equipment needs that are not included in the department’s annual budget.
With foundation membership consisting of residents, business members and former employees who volunteer their time, Chew said the foundation members are constantly raising money for the department throughout the year.
“We talk about the tax impact on our citizens, but this gives us an opportunity, through generous donations through businesses and residents who want to donate money, to help us purchase things that are outside our capital that we couldn’t afford,” Chew said.
According to foundation president Bill Gelernt, the foundation is involved with many programs to help the department, from the department’s award dinner to the department’s Shop with a Cop holiday program where this year officers were able to purchase gifts for more than 70 underprivileged children.
“We do a multitude of needed events that don’t come under the budget of the township,” Gelernt said. “We’re a non-profit, we’re 100 percent volunteer, and all the proceeds go to the department.”
Foundation member Sandy Student said high moral at the the department is another goal of the foundation, which is why the foundation also helps sponsor recognition programs such as the department’s officer of the month.
“Companies recognize achievement, but police departments don’t always do the same. It’s part of the reason why when there is a job opening, we have so many people that want to work here,” Student said.
In addition to its normal, annual programs, Gelernt said the foundation was honored to be able to help the department this year with funds needed to purchase its new K-9.
According to Chew, the new K-9 will replace current department K-9 Ciko, who has served with the department for about seven years and is nearing retirement age.
“Without the hard work, dedication and support from the volunteers of the police foundation and the community, we wouldn’t be able to do this, so I’m really thankful on behalf of the police department that we have the ability to cooperate with our members of the community,” Chew said.
To learn more about the foundation and its ongoing work, visit the Evesham Township Police Foundation’s page on Facebook.
