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Cordele Commission approves reinstatement of police K‑9 program after donated dog and donor support
Summary
The commission voted to reinstate the city police K‑9 program after officers described a donated dog (Rex) and reported $36,838 in donations; officials requested roughly $9,775 from city splice funds to cover certification and training costs.
Police Chief and officers asked the commission to reinstate the city’s K‑9 program after a dog (named Rex) was donated and community partners covered much of the startup cost.
The chief said the donated dog has an estimated value of $19,500 including prior training, and that a total of $36,838 has been raised or pledged to support the program. He told commissioners the department still needs about $9,775 in local funds to finalize certification and related expenses. "Total donated so far is $36,838 that we've worked on to get donated to get this program back up," the chief said.
A motion to proceed with the program, support the training plan and add a patrol officer as needed passed by voice vote. Commissioners also noted private donations of equipment — including a donated kennel and doghouse — and described recommended best practices for housing and caring for a working dog.
The commission approved the program with acknowledgment that donated funds and in‑kind contributions will cover most costs and that the city would provide the remaining training and certification funds.
