Police thankful for response to K-9’s surgery costs
When the news broke last month about K-9 officer Beny’s emergency surgery and the size of his medical bills, the community came out to support the police dog.
Beny suffered a herniated disc and required life-saving surgery that cost $6,000 and emptied the $4,000 in a fund set aside for his care.
Resident Megan Gruzs coordinated a bake sale during the city’s light-up night and raised $1,127. In addition to the bake sale, jars where placed in several businesses in town, and $633 was collected. Checks totaling $2,720 were sent to the city in support of the officer, and business owner and resident Don DeVore held his own fundraiser and raised $1,500. In total, the city received more than $6,000 from residents and various businesses.
Officer Larry Maraldo, Beny’s handler, said at Wednesday’s city council meeting that he could not express his gratitude about the donations. Police Chief Brian Tempest said, “Thank you to the community, residents and businesses. They went above and beyond for Beny. You guys are great.”
It also was announced at Wednesday’s meeting that Monongahela will begin providing full-time police coverage for Union Township on Jan. 1. The Monongahela Police Department has entered into a one-year agreement with Union Township at a cost of about $300,000, Mayor Bob Kepics said. Tempest said there will be a substation at the Union Township building, and a new SUV has been put into service and will be used in the township.
Tempest said the department, which employs 20 officers, has plans to hire an additional officer. Kepics said the additional coverage is a win/win for both communities. Due to the rural nature of Union Township and concerns about quick access to medical care, Kepics has had a change of heart on the issue of his officers carrying Narcan. On. Jan. 18, officers will be trained in first aid, CPR and Narcan administration. Officers will then begin carrying Narcan, the antidote for opioid overdoses, and they will be equipped with a defibrillator.
Council also adopted the $2.9 million budget for 2017, with the millage rate staying at 6.5 mills. The total budget income is $2,942,483, with total expenditures of $2,897,954 and a balance of $44,529.
Free parking downtown for the holidays has begun and will run through Jan. 2.
Councilman Alan Veliky reminded residents that the city has a snow and ice removal ordinance. Snow and ice must be removed from sidewalks within eight hours after the snow or ice has stopped. If the snow or ice is falling after 6 p.m., residents have until the following 6 p.m. to clear it.