Oak Forest Police K-9 Unit Looking to Add More Bark for Its Buck

Officer Orry has been a hardworking member of the Oak Forest Police Department for almost 5 years now. 

Orry is a 7-year-old German Shepard who has been with his human partner Officer Jason Vodnik since he was 3 years old. He is a dual-purpose dog imported from Germany, trained in narcotic detection and handler protection. He can track drugs, locate hidden suspects, and protect his handler. The typical career of a police dog like Orry is 6 to 8 years—so in two years, Orry will hang up his badge.

And a dog like Orry comes with a $13,000 price tag.

In anticipation of Orry's retirement, and in light of the Will County Sheriff shutting down its K-9 program, Officer Vodnik is hoping to acquire a buddy for Orry.

"We have a great opportunity to rescue former Will County Sheriff's K-9 Pit from the kennels. Poor Pit has been kenneled since the Will County Sheriff disbanded its K-9 unit this past March," Vodnik told Patch.

K-9 Pit is 3 years old, fully trained with a year of street duty under his belt already—and is discounted to half the typical cost, to $6,500.

"The only problem is that the city hasn't the funds necessary," Vodnik said.

The police department is contacting Oak Forest Social Services Corporation for funding assistance, and Vodnik is accepting donations toward the expense.

Donations to the Oak Forest Police Association and the Oak Forest Police Department are tax deductible under IRS rules, Vodnik said, and every little bit helps. The Oak Forest Social Services Corporation might fund a portion of it, in which case donations would be refunded, Vodnik said.

"It's kind of like a down payment," Vodnik said, "so that in two years, we won't have to pay $13,000 for a new dog."

The additional dog will also allow the department to extend its K-9 unit across the city. Also, when Orry decides to step down, there will be no gap in coverage, Vodnik said.

If you would care to donate, and live close to Oak Forest, K-9 Orry or Officer Vodnik would be happy to pick up your donation and thank you personally.
  
Donations can be mailed to: Oak Forest Police Department, 15440 Central Ave, Oak Forest, IL 60452 ATTN: Ofc Vodnik #179
  
You can also email ofpdk9fund@att.net  for more information.