K-9s show off skills; APD police dogs give demonstration for the community
Published 11:01 am Tuesday, June 21, 2016
- Lt. Matt Holten and his K-9 partner Sonic demonstrate on Derek Ellis. -- Photos by Jora Bothun/ jora.bothun@austindailyherald.com
The community got to see police K-9s in action Monday night.
The Austin Police Department held a fundraiser at Bandshell Park for its K-9 program with demonstrations and food for donations.
Lt. Matt Holten said he was pleased with the turnout and that the community has always been supportive of Austin’s K-9 program.
The fundraiser comes as Austin’s K-9 department is going through a transitional period.
Former K-9 handler Eric Blust retired from the program and Officer Derek Ellis and K-9 Rudy took his place. Holten said he and Sonic are getting ready to retire from the program also, which could be as soon as September, so the department has been looking for a replacement.
Derek Ellis and his partner K-9 Rudy during the K9 demonstration fundraiser on Monday.
The K-9 dogs cost about $8,000 to $10,000, plus training costs and a bullet-proof dog vest too. The police department also has to provide housing for the dog at the handler’s home.
The remaining money will be saved in the K-9 Foundation and could possibly go toward another dog or future expenses, Holten said.
