Sgt. Bruce Herrick and K-9 Blue pose for a photo June 5, 2023, when Blue was gifted with a bulletproof vest by a Lincoln Park Masonic Lodge.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Sunday Times Newspapers
RIVERVIEW – W. F. Whelan Co. of Riverview has agreed to provide a four-year K-9 sponsorship of $19,000, with the new four-legged officer-to-be named Whelan.
The local logistics company would provide sponsorship payments of $4,750 annually.
The Police Department has budgeted for the purchase of a new K-9, with training anticipated to begin in March.
Currently, 7-year-old K-9 Blue is paired with Sgt. Bruce Herrick, who has been promoted to the detective bureau and is no longer on road patrol, which limits the team’s response role.