Westport Police Launch Fundraiser For K-9 Officer Program

WESTPORT, CT — With the pending retirement of K-9 Officer Atlas, the Westport Police Department's K-9 Unit has launched a GoFundMe campaign for new equipment for the program, another police dog and training.

The fundraising effort was started Monday, and the unit is looking to raise $58,000.

"As we embark on the journey of 2024, our unit is undergoing significant upgrades," organizers wrote. "We urgently require new vehicles for two of our K-9 Officers, and one of our cherished service K-9s is scheduled to retire in December 2024. Through this fundraising initiative, our goal is to secure the necessary funds to cover the costs of acquiring the vehicles and implementing a training program for Atlas's successor."

Outfitting two vehicles with equipment for the K-9 costs $20,000 per vehicle (total of $40,000), which includes:

• Installation of a kennel
• Temperature monitoring system
• Storage
• Emergency lighting

The other $18,000 would pay for a new dog and training to replace Atlas ($12,000 for the dog, $6,000 for training).

"Each K-9 serves the town diligently for a period of 7-10 years, becoming an integral part of our team and our lives," organizers wrote. "As they near retirement age, it becomes essential for us to plan for their successors, ensuring continuity in our efforts to keep Westport safe."

Click here to view the GoFundMe campaign for the Westport Police K-9 Unit.