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Haverhill approves its first on‑duty K‑9 and creates fund to cover care
Summary
The City Council unanimously voted to establish the Haverhill Police Canine Maintenance Fund after Mayor Barrett introduced Officer Justin Graham’s new K‑9, Rex, and said the Stanton Foundation will cover the dog’s initial purchase and training. The fund will accept public gifts for ongoing veterinary care, insurance and equipment.
Mayor Barrett introduced Officer Justin Graham and Rex, the department’s new K‑9, and told the council the Stanton Foundation is underwriting the dog’s purchase, training and initial veterinary care. “They will pay for the purchase of the dog, the training of the dog, the retrofitting of the vehicles that will hold the dog,” Barrett said. The mayor said the foundation also covers initial equipment and insurance.
Officer Justin Graham thanked the council and the department. “I’m very grateful and honored,” Graham said, describing his partnership with the department and the dog’s ongoing training.
Councilor Lewandowski presented a small gift and urged community support. “This canine deserves our support just the same as our human officers do,” Lewandowski said.
The council voted 10–0–1 to establish the Haverhill Police Canine Maintenance Fund, an account for receiving gifts to be used for the care and upkeep of the department’s canine. Mayor Barrett said procedures for donating (checks with a memo line or online instructions) will be posted on the city’s web and social channels.
The fund is intended to cover incidental and recurring expenses not paid by the Stanton Foundation; Barrett and staff noted the city may receive additional donations if the community wishes to support this and future police canines. The council’s vote authorizes the fund; operational details and deposit instructions will be posted by the city clerk.
