Mars VFW Post makes donation to K-9 departments
ADAMS TWP — The second ever purse bash hosted by the Mars VFW Auxiliary was successful enough that the group was able to donate $5,000 to two local police K-9 units on Sunday, Nov. 10.
The K-9 units of the Adams Township and Jackson Township police received the money Sunday morning at the VFW post, the amount being a surprise to Jason Giallorenzo and Vaughn Pulgini, the K-9 handlers of the respective police departments.
Pulgini, a corporal with Jackson Township police, said the department is planning to replace its K-9 police vehicle next year, so the money will likely be put toward that cost. The amount that he will get to spend on expenses for Canyon, the department’s K-9 officer, caught him off guard.
“It was much more than we were expecting,” Pulgini said. “The vehicle is set up for the dog; it has a kennel and seating for him. We want to replace that.”
Giallorenzo, an officer with Adams Township police, said the department is looking to get new equipment for its K-9 officer, Kiko, a 1-year-old Belgian mix dog.
“It’s just going to go to the K-9 program; it can be used for costs,” Giallorenzo said. “Whether it be bulletproof armor for the dog or general equipment for him.”
Ellen Green, president of the Mars VFW Auxiliary, said the group plans to raise money for a community cause each year through its purse bash. The VFW Post itself donated the money, and the auxiliary group reimbursed the post for the money donated.
According to Tina Pracht, the auxiliary’s treasurer, the group was in agreement over making the donation to K-9 units this year, in part because the auxiliary is made up of animal-lovers.
“We felt like that was going to be best served for us,” Pracht said. “We have endearment in our hearts for K-9s anyway.”
