Altoona PD's K-9 program receives donation

Thursday, October 12, 2017
Ruth Wendlandt | WEAU

EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) -- The Altoona Police Department's K-9 program received a hefty donation from a local retailer Thursday.

The check presentation of $4,000 took place Thursday afternoon at Scheel's on Golf Road in Eau Claire. Store leader Jeff Tornow says they conduct a fundraiser every year and then choose a charity, and this is the largest amount of money the store has ever raised. Tornow says the Altoona Police Department's K-9 program is a perfect match.

"We became aware of their need and what a great way to give back to our community," says Tornow. "Aids who give back to the police department which helps protect and serve our community, keeps us all safe, and what a great cause in addition to the K-9 unit which is a new addition which can help them better educate our community as well as serve our community," he says.

The Altoona Police Department says Officer Anthony Helstern will be the K-9 handler. He's scheduled to travel to New Mexico in March to meet and train with the new K-9.

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