The Salem Police Foundation was picked as the Silver Finalist of the 2021 Statesman Journal Best of the Mid-Valley Community Choice Awards for the category of “Best Local Non-Profit”.
So far in 2021 the Foundation has supported the efforts of the Salem Police Department K-9 Team by adding Comfort K-9 Brigid to the Chaplaincy program and a new bloodhound Shelby to Salem PD’s K-9 team.
Comfort K-9 Brigid was highlighted in the 2021 Breakfast with the Chief event, our main fundraising event for the year. You can learn about how Brigid is supporting the health & wellness of the Officers, and watch the 2021 event here: https://youtu.be/GsGJ2G65XU4
Shelby is a one-year-old bloodhound and the department’s new training service dog. The idea for the addition of a hound came as the department faced the retirement of the most experienced dog in the unit, K-9 Es. “The chance to add a canine to help in the search for a lost child or elderly person was something we considered seriously,” said Patrol Division Lieutenant Brandon Ditto. “A hound’s scent receptors far surpass the abilities of a German Shepherd or a Belgian Malinois, breeds trained to search and apprehend suspects in heightened criminal situations,” explained Ditto who oversees the agency’s police service dog program with Sergeant Matt Gill.
The Salem Police Foundation donors made this effort possible. And the Foundation donors were a huge part in us being both nominated and recognized as a finalist in this prestigious Community Choice award. We thank you, Salem, for your trust in the Foundation!
We could not do what we do without all of you! Thank you for your support.
