“It is the mission of the Escanaba Department of Public Safety to protect and enhance the quality of life in our community through a comprehensive program of service in both fire and law enforcement. Public Safety is dedicated to preserving life, maintaining human rights, protecting property, advancing education, promoting individual responsibility, and community commitment,” stated Escanaba Department of Public Safety Director, Robert LaMarche.
Lieutenant Jeff Erickson commented, “The City of Escanaba’s Department of Public Safety is currently involved in a fundraising project to reestablish a member of our K-9 Program. The department’s narcotic detention K-9 is retiring in 2023 and due to the significant activity in our area, a replacement is needed.”
“Narcotic sales and use are present and vigorous in our area and show no evidence of slowing down. A K-9 is extremely beneficial, as it is often able to identify narcotics through scent that other officers may not be able to find. The K-9 and handler will be active in our community not only addressing narcotics, but also tracking missing children and adults. The K-9 will also be brought to public events and into schools to aid in public relations and encourage youth to interact positively with law enforcement,” commented Director LaMarche.
Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team (UPSET) Detective Austin Young stated, “I have experience and knowledge of narcotics in our area and will be the new K-9 handler. Both the K-9 and I will be on call 24 hours a day. The biggest goal of continuing our K-9 program is to increase arrests related to narcotic misuse, decrease drug trafficking in our county, and therefore make our community safer”. He continued, “A new narcotic trained K-9 and the training required for the handler is over $20,000.00. To be able to work effectively together, both the K-9 and I will go through proper training at a 6-week school in Denver, Indiana.”
Mr. Ken Gartland presents a check in the amount of $2,000.00 to Escanaba Department of Public Safety Lieutenant Jeff Erickson and Escanaba Public Safety Director, Robert LaMarche to start off their K-9 fundraising efforts.
Mr. Al Gartland, Owner of Northgate Equipment & Sales and Bay Area Pool & Spa, along with Shop Dog, Mia donated $1,000.00 to the Escanaba Public Safety K-9 fundraiser. As did his brother, Mr. Todd Gartland, Owner of the Carpet & Drapery Shoppe (not pictured) donate $1,000.00 also. They commented, “Our parents have huge caring hearts and do so much for our community. They even went so far as to establish a Gartland Family Fund with the Community Foundation for Delta County and as a family, we discuss and make donations to many needy organizations and programs annually. So, we wanted to, on behalf of our businesses, make a donation to the Escanaba Public Safety K-9 fundraiser as well,” stated Al and Todd.
“Mr. & Mrs. Gartland are very supportive of our community. Their generosity, compassion and thoughtfulness really makes a difference in the lives of our community,” commented Director, Robert LaMarche
Mr. Gartland stated, “On behalf of myself, Pat and our family, we would like to thank Escanaba Department of Public Safety, as well as all of the community service individuals and organizations that help protect and keep us safe.” He continued, “It is because of you that our community and the individuals that live, work and play in it, can feel safe and have peace of mind.”
Escanaba Department of Public Safety is asking for your help in securing a new K-9 narcotic dog. Any and all, contributions are appreciated and can be mailed to Escanaba Public Safety ATTN: Director Robert LaMarche 1900 3rd Avenue North Escanaba, MI 49829
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