PALM BAY, Fla. — The Palm Bay Police Department received a donation that will allow them to purchase of a new K-9 officer that will replace a retiring K-9.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
On Friday morning, the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation presented a $10,000 check to the Palm Bay Police Department K-9 Unit.
“We are grateful to the K-9 Foundation for this donation allowing us to continue to have a robust K9 presence in the community,” said Palm Bay Police Chief Mario Augello. “These K-9′s provide a vital resource for public safety and we are looking forward to seeing the great things they will do.”
Read: K9 Copper returns to duty following life-saving stomach surgery
Palm Bay currently has 4 patrol K-9s and one therapy K-9.
Each year these K-9 teams provide for officer protection, building searches, drug seizures, recovery of firearms and finding missing endangered persons.
Read: Florida zoo unveils Australia-themed experiences for Spring Break
In 2023, Palm Bay patrol dogs were deployed 287 times, recovering more than 500 grams of illegal drugs, apprehending 30 fleeing felons, and recovering 4 firearms from criminals.
“We are thrilled to be able to make this donation to support the city of Palm Bay,” said Dan Rhoades, President of the Space Coast Police K-9 Foundation. “This is at the heart of what we do. We are grateful to our supporters for their donations that have made this possible.”
Read: This iconic Florida aquarium is being evicted after animal welfare violations
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.