Dixon business’s $20K donation covers city’s K-9 cost

DIXON – A Dixon business has donated $20,000 to ensure the city’s K-9 program will continue.

Ken Nelson Auto Group marketing director Mandy Hinkey announced the donation Monday night during the Dixon City Council’s regular meeting.

The donation comes almost three months after the death of K-9 Hery, a police dog who had been with Dixon Police Department since November 2014 with his handler, Officer Ryan McWethy. Dixon City Council member Mike Venier said that at the same time the police department was dealing with the loss of Hery, Ken Nelson Auto Group was looking to donate to a community cause.

When making the donation, Hinkey thanked the police department for keeping the community safe, and then Venier for approaching the Ken Nelson Auto Group to let that business know about the opportunity to support the city’s K-9 police dog unit.

“We understand this unit plays a pivotal role in maintaining public safety and serves as a bridge between law enforcement and the community,” Hinkey said. “As with any contribution, Ken Nelson Auto Group is able to make, this donation would not be possible without all of our great customers and employees. We are thankful to be a part of this wonderful community.”

The council and audience gave a standing ovation after Hinkey announced the donation.

According to an earlier memo from Dixon Police Chief Steve Howell, the cost to continue the K-9 program includes $7,000 for the animal, $4,500 for basic training for the handler and the dog, $345 for equipment, $1,755 for the kennel and a $6,400 officer stipend that breaks down to $1,600 per year.

“The police K-9 has a unique impact on a community,” Howell wrote in the memo, which Venier read to the council just before Monday night’s donation announcement. “These animals serve countless missions, from drug enforcement to search and rescue to apprehending fleeing subjects. They are also ambassadors of the department, appearing at special events for protective, but more importantly, as public relations purposes. The police K-9s break down barriers between the police and the public.”