Raising funds for second K-9 deputy for the Vilas County Sheriff's department was a success thanks to the hard work and dedication of Captain Gerard Ritter whose effort resulted in $20,000 being directed for another dog.
Capt. Ritter describes his remarkable effort with modesty.
“I went county wide from Land O' Lakes to Lac du Flambeau seeking sponsors to support a 5-K walk/run,” he said. “I ended up with 39 sponsors with the neat part being I had one individual donate $5,000 and another individual donate $4,000. I planned the run in conjunction with the St. Germain Colorama event and had 57 sign up. Then the St. Germain Lions Club donated $1,000.”
Ritter said the current K-9 dog, HELO is doing a great job but there is a need for another.
The dogs are trained not only for drug detection but search and rescue and tracking, and the cost is high.
“We're looking at about $30,000 cost with half of that to equip a squad car with appropriate safety features for the dog,, a kennel facility at the deputies home, vet and food fees.”
Capt. Ritter continues to raise the needed funds and will have more walk/run's next year.
Contributions can be sent to the Vilas County Sheriff's department or dropped off at the Justice Center in Eagle River.
