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After several months of hard work, the Lycoming County Sheriff's Office has introduced a new four-legged partner, the first of what Sheriff Eric Spiegel said in a post that he considered to be the foundation of a new K-9 program.
Welcome Mack, a bright-eyed Belgian Malinois, considered to be the first in what Spiegel and the team at the county sheriff's department say is the future of this office's K-9 program.
Mack's role will be much more than simply riding alongside a deputy, Spiegel said in a news release on Friday.
Instead, through specialized training, Mack and his handler, Sgt. Ryan Kepner, will provide an additional resource to help keep the sheriff's department deputies and the citizens of Lycoming County safe.
Mack's capabilities will include assisting with:
• Tracking wanted or fleeing individuals
• Locating missing or endangered persons
• Fugitive apprehension
• High-risk law enforcement operations
• Improving officer safety during dangerous situations
• Community demonstrations and public outreach
A trained K-9 can go places, locate people, and accomplish tasks that would otherwise require additional deputies, time, and resources, Spiegel noted.
Mack will provide another valuable tool for the office while helping the sheriff and deputies to better serve communities throughout the county.
Built by our community
One of the most important goals of this program is to establish and maintain it through community donations rather than taxpayer funding, Spiegel stressed.
Building a professional K-9 program comes with significant expenses, including specialized training, veterinary care, food, equipment, protective gear, vehicle outfitting, and continued training throughout Mack's working career.
"We are asking individuals, businesses, and organizations throughout our community to consider supporting the program," Spiegel said.
Every donation matters, he said, adding that can be whether it helps to purchase a piece of equipment, contributes toward training, or assists with Mack's ongoing care, every dollar helps build a program that will directly benefit the county's residents.
"This isn't simply about adding a K-9 to the sheriff's office," Spiegel observed. "It's about giving our deputies and officers within Lycoming County another resource to safely apprehend wanted individuals, help locate someone when every minute matters, and building an even stronger connection between the sheriff's office and the community we serve," he said.
For those wishing to donate, please fill out the attached K-9 Program Donation Form.
Donations can be made by mail to the Lycoming County Sheriff's Office at 48 W. Third St. Williamsport Pa, 17701 or in person at our office in the Lycoming County Courthouse on the 3rd floor.
Make checks payable to: Sheriff's Office K-9 Program
"Thank you for your continued support of the Lycoming County Sheriff's Office and our new K-9 program," Spiegel and the team at the sheriff's office said.