FRONT ROYAL – With the sudden passing of Front Royal Police Department K-9 Boone on Monday, March 5, the department suddenly faced the daunting task of having to replace its beloved K-9 officer –the station’s first –as well as purchase a second dog, which would need to be trained and paired with a handler, who would also need training.
The Front Royal Police Foundation, a 501 (c)3, non-profit all-volunteer organization, accepts donations on behalf of the Front Royal Police Department – donations that provide the funds needed to ensure that officers can attend advanced training, as well as be able to replace and purchase equipment as needed.
After learning of Boone’s death, the Front Royal Moose Lodge 829 decided to make a sizable donation to the K-9 program, in memory of the FRPD’s first K-9 officer. Manager Billy Rice, who came to the Front Royal organization from the Woodstock, Va. Lodge in Feb., said Friday that as a former police officer who once had his own K-9, he knew first-hand what it meant to have support after such a loss. Rice said that although his own K-9 had died a number of years ago, it still meant a great deal to him that folks reached out at the time of his loss.
Rice said that Moose Lodge 829 was able to donate $2,500 because of the jackpot size from a popular game at the members-only club, called Queen of Hearts. He stated that Va. State code dictates that 30-percent of proceeds from games go to charity, and the non-profit Front Royal Police Foundation, was a good fit with the sudden death of Boone.
On hand to present the check to the Foundation were Moose Supreme Governor Willard Kitchens, of Prattville, AL., Local Moose Governor Dwayne Whited, of Front Royal and Moose Manager Billy Rice. Also present were Sergeant Bryan Courtney, Boone’s handler, and FRPD Officer Anthony Clingerman, who will receive a K-9 partner later this year.
“We very much appreciate this generous gift from the Front Royal Moose lodge. It will bring the Foundation closer to its goal of raising enough funds to purchase, train and outfit two dogs for the K-9 program,” Ms. Baggarly said Friday.
She explained that as a non-profit, the Front Royal Police Foundation spends 95% of all donations on Front Royal Police Department officer needs, with 5% going to cover expenses such as postage, stationery and supplies necessary to run FRPF fundraising events.
Anyone wishing to make a contribution in memory of K9 Boone may mail a check, with “K-9 fund” designated, to:
Front Royal Police Department
Attn: Front Royal Police Foundation
23 E. Jackson St.
Front Royal, VA 22630
Donations are tax-deductible.
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