Mantua’s police K-9 unit is supported 100% by donations and fundraisers.
The Mantua township police department’s K-9 unit will host its first Halloween beef and beer at the Church of the Incarnation’s Kernan Center on Saturday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the Main Street event are $75. To purchase, visit either the police station or email Sgt. Mroz at csmroz@mantuatownship.com or Cpl. Stephen Wolfsgruber at sjwolfsgruber@mantuatownship.com.
Proceeds will benefit the K-9 unit, which is supported finanicially outside of the department.
“Our unit is 100% funded by donations and fundraisers such as this,” said Wolfsgruber. “This money pays for toys, food, gear and for the dog’s medical bills.”
Guests are invited to wear costumes to the event, which will feature food from Four Star Catering, drinks donated by the Wine Warehouse, a DJ, a raffle and a basket auction.
“The event came about from members of the K-9 unit having the idea,” Wolfsgruber explained. “The K-9 unit has had beef and beers in the past, but this is the first one with a Halloween spin.”
The police department’s K-9 unit has existed for more than a decade, according to Wolfsgruber. Its current animal is Drax, who is handled by Mroz. K-9 officer Kyle Riepen and his dog, Bane, will retire in the near future.
Wolfsgruber will attend the K-9 academy later this fall to get training for his animal, Tyson. A portion of beef and beer proceeds will help finance the department’s next dog, expected to arrive next year, according to Wolfsgruber.
The unit is feeling confident about the beef and beer.
“We have been getting the word out about it and we have received a lot of interest,” said Wolfsgruber. “We believe that it will be a good night, and we hope that the turnout is good enough that we continue to run this same style of event in the future.”
