The Newark Police Department announced on Friday that it is the recipient of a grant from the Wegman’s Food Markets and Milk-Bone Dog Products, to assist with the continuation of their K-9 program.
In August of this year, K-9 handler Dan Weegar learned that his partner, 7 year old “Fedor” had terminal colon cancer and must be retired immediately. Fedor was the first working K-9 in the history of the Newark Police Department and had been provided as a grant from former NY State Police Superintendent Harry Corbitt in 2009.
Trained at the New York State Police K-9 Training Facility in Cooperstown, New York, Fedor was certified in human tracking and detection of five different types of illegal drugs. Fedor became very popular as he visited area schools and service clubs. He currently remains with Officer Weegar and will be monitored for pain by the Lyons Veterinary Hospital.
Continuing Newark’s K-9 program was important to Mayor Peter M. Blandino and members of the Village Board. However, with current revenue restrictions the $8,000 needed to continue the program was not available through public funding. Fortunately, and as often happens, the private sector came forward, and through the generosity of Wegmans and Milk-Bone, a grant for the full amount was found.
On October 10, 2014 the NPD’s newest K-9, “Mac” was flown from Holland to Cleveland and is currently doing ride-alongs with Officer Weegar. Both will enter the next training academy in Cooperstown.
K-9 Mac is a 10 month old Belgian Malinois with the energy of six dogs. The breed has been chosen by Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies because of their unique characteristics. They are extremely gentle with children yet have unimaginable energy which allows them to pursue a perpetrator at speeds up to 30 mph. Their 270 degree vision and keen smell make them and ideal choice for drug interdiction.
“Mac” was named in memory of deceased Sergeant Gary M. McIlwain, a 28 year veteran of the Newark Police Department who passed away this year after a prolonged illness and while still serving with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office. K-9 Mac will reside with Officer Weegar and his family as the two partners continue with the tradition and work that Fedor began.
Chief of Police David Christler states, “Our continuous battle against the illegal and dangerous use of narcotics requires that our officers have every tool necessary to fight this costly and damaging addiction. Keeping our K-9 Unit was very important to the Department and once again our thanks go out to our private partners at Wegmans and Milk-Bone as their generosity will make our community a safer place to live.”
Pictured left to right are: Lori Schreib-Weman’s Division Manager of Asset Protection; Ron Smith-Wegman’s Merchandise Manager; Gary R. Thomas-Milk Bone; pater Blandino-Newark Mayor; Gary Verstraete-Newark Investigator; David Chrstler-Newark Police Chief; K9 Handler Dan Weegar and K9 Mac