The K-9 Unit is an important component to the Long Beach Police Department offering assistance in everything from sniffing out drugs to protecting high-profile visitors to tracking down bad guys who almost got away.
The majority of the fees incurred by the K-9 Unit are not paid for by the City of Long Beach. They are paid for by dues paying members, generous donors, and citizens of the community who believe in the great benefit that the K-9 Unit brings to our Police Department.
Back when the K-9 Unit started, a handful of guys pooled $10 each a month to cover food and medical care for the dogs. With limited resources, they got creative and wrapped newspapers around their arms as stand-ins for bite sleeves. But in 1982, paperwork was filed and the official nonprofit Long Beach K-9 Officers Association (LBK9OA) was born.
The LBK9OA provides funding to purchase replacement dogs and provide lifetime off duty medical care and treatment for them. They also contribute funding for seminars, competitions and other activities designed to further the goals and objectives of the K-9 Unit. Currently, the association supports eleven handlers and fourteen service dogs.
Today, dogs for the K-9 unit cost about $12,000. First time handlers are required to pay $3,000 out of their own pocket for their first dog and the Association covers the remaining balance. The Association also pays for regular medical care and treatment for the K-9’s with one exception: The City of Long Beach covers all medical expenses for treatment of on-duty injuries or illnesses.
The Long Beach K-9 handler course has been recognized as the most respected in the state.
The Association holds an annual Benefit Car Show to raise funds. This year’s event is coming up next weekend on May 11, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. It will be held on the grass at Long Beach Police Officers Association Park behind Lowe's and Wal Mart at the Long Beach Town Center.
LBK9OA Benefit Flyer
LBK9OA Website
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| Corporal Greg Manis and Jhonny |
Officer Wooldridge and Basco
