Ledyard CHAIN Seeks Donations to Protect Police Dogs

From Ledyard C.H.A.I.N.

Ledyard C.H.A.I.N. is honored to once again spearhead a fundraising effort for the Ledyard Police Department's K-9 Unit. Most recently, Ledyard C.H.A.I.N., with the generous support of our community purchased new body armor for Lambeau, the Ledyard Police Departments' K-9. During meetings with the Ledyard Police Department it was discovered that the K-9 vehicle was not equipped with a K-9 life-saving vehicle heat alarm system. Town and police department budgets are tight everywhere, so Ledyard C.H.A.I.N. is stepping up to fill the need by kicking off a fundraising effort to equip the K-9 vehicle with this life saving equipment.

As most of you know, K-9 handlers keep their K-9’s in their vehicles for long periods of time, many times alone, leaving the K-9 inside at risk in the event of engine or other mechanical failure. For instance, what happens if the AC starts to push out hot air? What happens if the engine shuts off? What happens if there is buildup of smoke or carbon dioxide in the cruiser? These are scenarios that could have a horrific ending and we at C.H.A.I.N. want to do all we can to prevent that from happening.

The unit that we will be fundraising to purchase is an Ace K9 Heat Alarm Pro. It will include the Watch Dog Smartphone application that will make available to the handler the status of the engine battery, the internal car temp, the status of the ignition (on/off), and the engine itself (running or not running). These features can let the handler know of a potential problem before it becomes life threatening to the K-9. In addition, we will be adding a smoke and carbon dioxide detector.

But, if something does go wrong and the vehicle reaches a certain temp or the carbon monoxide or smoke detector are activated, the handler and dispatch will both be notified; the car horn, light bar, siren, and headlights will be activated; the rear caged windows will lower; and a cross draft window fan will activate. Also, this unit has what is called a “Forget Me Not” feature that sounds an alarm if the handler does not open the K-9 door to remove the dog after the ignition and unit is off.

We realize this is a big undertaking and so does our Ledyard Police Department who are grateful to everyone who supports their desire to keep their K-9’s safe while on duty. Every dollar raised will go toward the heat alarm and its installation. In the event more is raised it will be given to the department to offset the costs to maintain the unit annually. So, stand with us, and let’s make this happen.

Access the fundraising page here.