STEVENS POINT, WI (WSAU) — A Stevens Point foundation is stepping up to help the local Police Department replace a K9 officer who died unexpectedly last week.
The Sentry Insurance Foundation says they will cover the costs of acquiring a new dog for the department after Luna, a Belgian Malinois trained in drug detection, died from organ failure.
“We understand that having two K-9s is critical to our police department, to our community. While we can’t replace what Luna meant to J.D. and his family, we’re glad to help the department move forward with its K-9 program,” said Sentry Chief Planning Officer Elisha Robinson.
Representatives from Sentry presented a check for the amount to the Police Department on Monday morning. In a press release, Chief Marty Skibba says the money is deeply appreciated.
“While our hearts remain heavy, we’re grateful to Sentry for assisting us in getting Officer [J.D.] Ballew a new partner,” said Skibba. “Luna was more than a police dog. She was a beloved member of our law enforcement family and a valuable asset to the community.”
Skibba adds that Police Departments are often put on lengthy waiting lists for K9 officers but due to the circumstances the kennel that produced Luna has moved the Stevens Point department to the top of their list. He expects a new dog to be acquired and trained over the next few months.
Luna, along with Fala, was part of the Stevens Point PD’s first class of K9 officers. She was rushed to the Animal Referral Center in the Fox Valley last Monday after accidentally ingesting a poisonous mushroom, and was put down early Wednesday morning after suffering multiple organ failures.
