After a recent string of drug busts in the county, Dickson City Mayor Tony Zaleski says adding a police dog is more important than ever.
An April drug bust in Scranton led to police seizure of more than 330 bags of heroin, including 250 from a Dickson City home.
Police discovered more than a dozen marijuana plants at a home in the borough last week when they responded to a borough apartment. Police dogs from South Abington Twp. assisted.
"Our guys had some pretty substantial arrests," Mr. Zaleski said.
"We had to bring a dog from another community," he added.
Adding a police dog or dogs to the force would benefit surrounding communities as well, he explained.
"This drug problem has surfaced not only here in Dickson City, but in Northeast Pennsvlania," Mr. Zaleski said.
He has worked with borough officials since 2011 to hold fundraisers and find money to purchase and train two police dogs in narcotics and search. To date, there is about $10,000 in an account earmarked for the dogs. Mr. Zaleski said about $20,000 would cover the costs of both dogs.
A 5K race Saturday in the borough will raise funds to support the dog. The race/walk will begin at Dickson City Elm Street Park and registration will be held from 7 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. Entrance is $20 in advance and $25 on race day.
There will be awards for top finishers and K9 demonstrations following the race. For more information, call 489-4758.
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter