Kinston Police Department Sgt. Brandon Wells poses with retired K-9, Jessi, Friday. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

By Junious Smith III

The Kinston Police Department is going to the dogs — well, sort of.

Sunday started the K-9 Matching Gift Project fundraiser, set by the National Association Chiefs of Police. According to the site’s overview, “police K-9s are law enforcement officers' best non-lethal aid in the prevention and detection of crime. They save time, money and more importantly, officer’s lives.”

KPD Sgt. Brandon Wells said he knows the importance of a good K-9 officer, such as recently retired Belgian Malinois, Jessi, who served on the force from 2008-18 and helped remove millions of dollars worth of narcotics off the streets. Wells said with the retirements of Jessi and another K-9 officer, teaming up with the organization and getting donations from the community is essential.

“What we’re trying to do is replace what we have,” Wells said. “We’re looking to replace two K-9s, so what we’ve done is partner with the National Association for Chiefs of Police and they are going to match funds we raise, up to $5,000.”

Throughout the month, members of the KPD will be at PetSense on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“(We’ll be) hanging out, doing different K9 demonstrations, telling (people) what the K9 unit is and about,” Wells said. “We would like to keep 4 dogs at the police department, that way the city’s got a 24-hour coverage.”

For those looking to donate or learn more about the organization, go to k9cop.org.