UPDATES:
Welcome K9 Franco! We're so happy to have you on the team protecting us on the front lines!
The fundraising campaign ended in February 2022 and exceeded its $30,000 goal and the process of obtaining a new K-9 for the Vernon Police Department has begun.
Thank you to all who contributed, for your civic spirit and for your belief in the important work of the Vernon Police Department.
Please join us in a matching fundraiser in memory of k9 officer Thor, after his recent sudden loss, to support our local Vernon, CT Police Department k9 police force.
We were shocked and saddened by the unexpected loss of canine officer Thor in October. It is with heavy hearts that we mourn this loss to our community. Thor was a true hero and he will be sorely missed.
As dog and animal lovers (we were founded by chicken farmers remember), we had come to know him and his partner Officer Bryan Sembersky in our work supporting our local Vernon, CT Police Department's K9 unit and the important work of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association (CPWDA).
We have donated many times to benefit our local work dog's continued education and valuable protection garments to keep them safe in the line of duty. They certainly deserve it for all the amazing good they do for a lot of people! Thank you to all of our first responders, both 2 and 4-legged! 🐾
We have now joined several local businesses in matching all donations made by the public. The funds will support the local canine force in the training of a new police dog and their vital safety equipment.
“Shortly after Thor's passing, several businesses and individuals stepped up to offer contributions and a $15,000 challenge grant was established. Therefore, if the community contributes $15,000, the amount will be matched the goal of $30,000 will then be met.” - via Vernon Patch article: Fundraising Efforts Begin In Vernon For New Police Dog
The matching donors include
Alan Friedman of Superior Energy, LLC
Jerry Bundy
Tom Scranton of Scranton Motors Cadillac
Richard Clay of Clay Furniture Industries
Cliff Chapman of The Mansions at Hockanum Crossing
Kevin Santini of Santini Villa Apartments
Mike Baum of Farm Car Care
More than a dozen donation canisters have been placed at local restaurants and other establishments around town so that the residents of Vernon may participate in the fundraising effort.
People can also write a check payable to the Town of Vernon, with "police dog" written on the memo line.
Checks can be mailed to:
Town of Vernon, Finance Department,
2nd Floor, 14 Park Place,
Vernon, CT
06066.
The funds will support the local canine force in the training of a new police dog and their vital safety equipment.
Thor will forever be in our hearts, we hope he is enjoying lots of well-deserved treats in heaven.
