Fund Drive Mounted For

Police Dog Vehicle

The police department has started a fundraising project for the acquisition of a new vehicle designed to transport the department’s German shepherd, known as Baro.

Police Patrol Officer Andrew Stinson, who is Baro’s handler, said this week that the specialized Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser, which police have been using to transport the dog on patrol since last spring, has encountered serious mechanical problems and now must be replaced in order to reliably keep the police dog on patrol duty.

The sedan that police equipped for police dog use earlier this year was not a new vehicle, has accumulated high mileage, and has worn out, Officer Stinson said.

The fundraising drive, to be conducted by members of the Citizen Police Academy, will raise money toward the purchase of a new sedan or new sport-utility vehicle for police dog use, he said. Funds for the purchase of such a specialized vehicle have not been budgeted by the town, he said.

The sedan in which Baro is transported has its rear seat removed to provide the dog with ample room while in transit. The car is equipped with a remotely controlled rear door, which allows Officer Stinson to open the door from a distance to let the dog out of the vehicle in the event that the dog is needed quickly. The police car carrying the dog has temperature monitors and ventilation equipment installed to keep conditions comfortable for the canine. The trunk holds a large amount of dog-related paraphernalia.

It is expected to cost about $30,000 to acquire a new vehicle for canine use, Officer Stinson said.

Officer Stinson said that people with questions about the fundraising program may contact him at the police station at 426-5841.