Salisbury PD K9 units get extra protection with donation from local dog agility group
SALISBURY, Md. – The Salisbury Police Department (SPD) is celebrating a generous donation that will help ensure K9 units are safe in all weather. The Blue Heron Agility Association of Delaware (BHAD) is providing $4,000 to the department.
SPD Gets Donation for HOT-N-POP
Police say the money will help outfit two SPD vehicles with HOT-N-POP systems.
“It gives me clarity in knowing that I can keep my partner safe, just like he keeps me safe,” said PFC Daniel Derasmo, a K9 handler for SPD.
The HOT-N-POP system is designed to provide temporary relief inside of police K9 vehicles when triggered by extreme temperatures.
“When the system triggers, not only does it send out a signal to me via pager or cell phone, but our emergency lights will sound, our horn will sound, and the [rear] windows will come down,” said PFC Derasmo. “And inside, a fan will turn on to cool down our partners.”
SPD Chief David Meienschein says the system can be a lifesaver.
“Not only is there the benefit of keeping the animal safe, it can also be an asset to the city,” said Chief Meienschein. “It’s a very expensive proposition to purchase, train, and replace these animals.”
“We want to make sure that everybody is protected.”
BHAD’s members say their work centers around ensuring pups are active, healthy, and obedient. So, it only makes sense for them to do what they can to support dogs on duty, says member Denise Jester.
“As we’ve grown, we have saved quite a bit of money along the way. We felt that we needed to start giving back to our community. So, that’s how we started this program,” Jester said. “Unfortunately, it happens where [the K9s] are in the car, the windows are rolled up, and the air conditioning malfunctions. We don’t want to see that happen.”
Jester says that their work supporting police K9s started with a donation to Delaware State Police about ten years ago. Since then, BHAD has helped to outfit police agencies across Delmarva with K9 protective vests and HOT-N-POP systems.
“We want to make sure that everybody is protected,” Jester said. “We’re always looking for the next person who needs our help.”
Making a Special Bond Stronger
DFC Derasmo says he was inspired to pursue the career by his own grandfather, who was a K9 handler in the military.
And, DFC Derasmo says, he’s always been an animal lover at heart. So knowing that his partner, K9 Zanzi, is protected in all weather makes a special bond stronger. He says it also adds peace of mind to a dangerous job.
“I wish everyone could experience the bond that a handler and their partner can have,” said DFC Derasmo.
