A fundraising effort is underway to purchase and train two new police K-9s for Wayne County — one for the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department and another for the Fairfield Police Department.
The K-9s are being purchased through Beyond the Badge FOP Lodge 303, the local union representing law enforcement and corrections officers in Wayne County.
The Sheriff’s Department will need a new K-9 following the expected retirement of Lt. Rennie Cates’ K-9 Tiko at the end of this year.
The Fairfield Police Department currently does not have a K-9. The department’s last police dog was Elvis, who was handled by former Fairfield patrolman and later Wayne County Sheriff Mike Everett.
The estimated cost to purchase both K-9s and provide full training for the dogs and their handlers is approximately $50,000.
Officials hope to have both new K-9 teams fully trained and on duty by the spring of 2027.
Individuals, businesses and organizations interested in supporting the project may drop off donations at either the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department or Fairfield Police Department.