Wasilla PD’s K-9 fundraiser exceeds expectations

WASILLA—Police asked and the community responded—better than anyone could have imagined.

Despite a steady and at times heavy rain which blanketed the Mat-Su Valley on Saturday, organizers say some $42,000 was raised for the Wasilla Police Department’s K-9 program.

Several large box stores — Wasilla’s Walmart, Lowe’s and Target joined up with community members over the past several weeks to raise funds for a K-9 replacement. Michael Hand of the Wasilla Retail Crime Association (WRCA) helped organize a grassroots fundraising campaign to augment the estimated $30,000-$40,000 required for a new drug-apprehension dog.

For the past several weeks, community artists, bakers, crafters and others wishing to lend a hand have given time and talent. Each day, they came down and each day the community contributed.

WPD lost its sole K-9 officer, Marshal, an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois, after an aggressive cancer diagnosis in late spring. Marshal became the third police K-9 in the Mat-Su to die in the last year. That led city officials to ask the public to help with a replacement dog. WPD Chief Gene Belden placed a letter on the department’s webpage which in part stated the sudden and unexpected loss was not budgeted — nor was a replacement officer.

Marshal’s partner, WPD Sgt. Don Ridge, said he had noticed Marshal becoming lethargic and his movements more stiff than usual. A trip to the veterinarian revealed inoperable masses in his abdomen. Belden said the “unexpected tragedy” left the department without its own police K-9.

On March 26 of this year, K-9 Rico, a 3-year old Dutch Shepherd, was the second canine killed in the line of duty. On Sept. 25, 2016, “Helo”, a 6-year-old Belgian Malinois, was the first killed in the state of Alaska. Both Rico and Helo were assigned to the Alaska State Troopers.

The event culminated over the weekend with a flurry of activity at the “Canine Cookout and Carnival” held in Walmart’s parking lot. The crescendo happened throughout the day Saturday and Hand said things were hopping more than that on Sunday.

“Things went better than anyone anticipated,” Hand said. “We really did incredibly well on Saturday even though it rained like crazy. People wanted to help and it was for a great cause. I’m very proud of the community.”

As the event was winding down Sunday, Gov. Bill Walker stopped in with an $11,000 donation. According to organizers, the community chipped in almost $20,000 toward the cause and Walmart corporate grants pushed the tally over the $40,000 mark. Lowe’s donated several “big ticket” items which generated dollars through the sale of raffle tickets.

Like Hand, Belden said he was pleasantly pleased, not only with the community turnout over the weekend, but also the community in general.

“I’m surprised, totally surprised,” Belden said about the support shown by the community. “It was just a great effort by the people.”

The chief said he was confident that the needed funds could be raised, but he had no idea that it would happen over a weekend. In addition to the above stores, Belden said credit should also go to Penelope’s Patty Cakes and Alaska Angel Mail. In addition, the WPD web page listed “…local businesses and individuals who have made significant donations…”. Included to date are: D.R. Smith LLC, Lithia Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Wasilla, Patricia Stewart, Sharon Ridge, Anne Dew, Fred Meyer, Sam's Club and Kathryn MacNeil.

Belden said Sunday’s tally doesn’t include the above-mentioned significant donations. He said there are also a number of donation canisters around the community that have to be added in.

“We haven’t gotten a grand total yet but we will pretty much end things at the end of the month,” Belden said.

Belden said Sgt. Ridge is busy looking into sources for Marshal’s replacement.

“He’s spearheading this and he’s got all the contacts. We are scheduled (to have a dog) for school in October,” Belden said. “It may come sooner.”

Contact reporter Chris Ford at 352-2270 or chris.ford@frontiersman.com