Baldwin City Council discussed at length Tuesday the possibility of adding a K-9 unit to their police public safety budget.
The Feb. 22 edition of The Northeast Georgian ran an article about a lost dog that was nicknamed Shreck. Although the owner of the Shreck, whose name is now Nikos, never came forward, he has found a home within the City of Baldwin’s police department with Assistant Chief Justin Ferguson.
With Ferguson having experience and certification as a K-9 handler, the council is looking to pave the way for Nikos to become a police dog. While some items have been donated to the city from local businesses and citizens, items such as a crate for the vehicle, a K-9 vest and other necessary supplies for the caretaking of the dog are still needed.
The cost for immediate start-up in fiscal year (FY) 2023 would be $6,156.95. The cost for each year after would be less than the original startup cost.
While presenting costs and information around having a K-9 unit for the department, many questions were asked by the council, such as what would happen if Nikos did not learn all of the skills required for the job.
Councilwoman Stephanie Almagno was concerned with the need for a police dog most, and not as sold on Nikos as some. She expressed her interest in a police dog, but explained she wants to keep the conversation open for discussion if he does not make the cut.
Mayor Alice Venter conversed with the council stating, “It seems like the right K-9 has fallen into our hands. The community has offered to come together to help the City of Baldwin in the spirit of the community being safer from drugs, safer from criminals, our police department is safer.”
Councilman Maarten Venter said he is concerned with safety of Baldwin.
“The world is becoming a more dangerous place by the day,” Maarten said. “Just in the last couple of years, it’s gotten to where I’m really concerned about Baldwin. Fortunately, with the police department we have now, we have highly trained, highly motivated individuals. By adding the K-9 unit we make the whole team more well rounded and more capable.”
The council is expected to continue their conversation on the topic Monday night, as the item has been moved to the meeting agenda.