Middletown police use grant to replace retiring K-9 patrol dog

Middletown Division of Police Sgt. Tony Gibson does a demonstration with his K9 partner, Bear, during Middletown's National Night Out event Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Smith Park. The event had booths from community organizations, police canine and SWAT demonstrations, Butler County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol, Careflght medical helicopter, free cheese coneys from Goldstar, bike giveaways, live music by the band, Drive, and more. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Credit: Nick Graham

Credit: Nick Graham

Middletown Division of Police Sgt. Tony Gibson does a demonstration with his K9 partner, Bear, during Middletown's National Night Out event Tuesday, July 30, 2024 at Smith Park. The event had booths from community organizations, police canine and SWAT demonstrations, Butler County Sheriff's Office Mounted Patrol, Careflght medical helicopter, free cheese coneys from Goldstar, bike giveaways, live music by the band, Drive, and more. NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

The city will purchase a new police dog with the help of a grant to replace a Middletown Division of Police patrol canine scheduled to retire in the fall.

A $7,500 grant from the American Kennel Club Adopt A K-9 Cop program to buy a patrol dog. K-9 Bear will retire in a few months. The city’s match is $2,500, to be paid out of the police department budget.

There are three active patrol dogs in the department as well as K-9 Hali, a facility dog that is owned by Middletown schools and assigned to officer Marco Caito, a school resource officer. She assists and participates in the school system to help support children’s physical, emotional and cognitive needs.

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