Sebring PD K-9 fundraiser a success

The Sebring Police Department raised approximately $21,524 to go toward the purchase and training of a new K-9 unit.

That figure was more than $6,000 past the set fundraising goal of $15,000.

“Our community support was outstanding,” said Vicki Hicks, administrative assistant with the SPD.

Chief Tom Dettman gave a lot of credit for the fundraiser’s success to the 161 members of the AmVets Post 21, who organized January’s poker run and the 2nd annual Tom Berdelle Memorial Golf Scramble, held April 4 at the Municipal Golf Course.

“They’re the ones … that said, ‘We want to be the organization to make this happen for you guys,’” Dettman said, adding that the post has been recognized in their state newsletter for the achievement.

The golf scramble was named for Tom Berdelle, who was the former post commander who died two years ago.

In addition to the work of AmVets Post 21, more than 150 donations were made from members and organizations of the community.

The new K-9 unit the department is looking to get will have the ability to detect narcotics, track suspects, apprehend criminals and search buildings, according to Hicks.

Dettman said there is no date set for when they are going to purchase the dog.

This new dog will replace the department’s current K-9 unit, Fea, who was purchased by the SPD following a similar fundraiser held in 1999. That year, they raised over $14,000.

Hicks said the sweetest story through the whole fundraising initiative came when she did a tour with young students at the Liberty Christian Academy.

“At the end of the tour, they all pulled out change and gave us $1.50,” Hicks said.

No matter when the department gets the dog, the one thing that has already been taken care of is its name. Dettman said the K-9 will be called J.R., in honor of Sgt. James R. Moore, the only Sebring police officer killed in the line of duty.

Dettman said Moore’s brother made a donation for the new K-9 and asked if it would be possible for the dog to be called J.R.

“It will be our honor to do that,” Dettman said.

The chief added that, in tough economic times, the fact the department was able to duplicate the success of its 1999 fundraiser speaks to the “heart of Highlands County.”

“This demonstrates what the heart of Highlands County and the Sebring area is all about,” Dettman said. “It’s amazing.”

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