POUGHKEEPSIE – The Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff’s Police Benevolent Association (DCDSPBA) is using two of their K9 members as a fundraising tool to support the various programs sponsored by the men and women in the DCDSPBA. K9 officers Max and Minka have had their likeness turned into stuffed animals that are being sold by their human partners. The stuffed versions are being sold for $20 each and the funds go to several organizations sponsored by the DCDSPBA, including their Law Enforcement Explorer Program, Post 108 for youths.
DCSO Deputy Joe Wasilewski said that the PBA is selling the stuffed versions of Max and Minka just in time for the holidays. The money raised will allow the deputies to purchase a large quantity of the cuddly K9s that will be handed out to special needs children. It’s another outreach effort provided by the DCDSPBA. The human members pay monthly dues that not only support the Explorer program but several other community-based organizations that the deputies work with. The deputies support organizations such as the Renegades Pitch 4 Kids, Ryan McElroy Children’s Cancer Foundation, DC 10-13 Foundation, Rebuilding Together Dutchess County, and a host of other programs and events.
“The DCDSPBA is comprised of Dutchess County Deputy Sheriff’s (DCSO) Deputies and is a nonprofit organization, which serves the County of Dutchess and the special interests of its members by fighting for justice and the best possible working conditions for all its members,” said Deputy Ryan Griffin, President of the DCDSPBA.
K9 Max is a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois from Holland. The energetic dog is handled by DCSO Sergeant Todd Greib and is assigned to the patrol division. Max was recently working on locating a suspect that fled from a stolen vehicle in Poughkeepsie. The K9 also serves as a narcotics detection dog. Max and Greib completed K9 training at the Dutchess County K9 Academy in 2013.
Minka and her handler, Deputy Bill McKay, are assigned to protect the Dutchess County office buildings on Market Street. Minka can regularly be seen greeting people visiting the Dutchess County DMV. Minka is also a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois and was born in Slvakia. Trained in patrol and narcotics detection, Minka and McKay attended the academy with Max and Greib.
If you would like to purchase a stuffed version of Max or Minka, or both, send private message to the DCDSPBA Facebook account by clicking here and a deputy will respond with purchase instructions. Beginning on Tuesday, November 9, the stuffed dogs will be available for purchase at DCSO headquarters at 108 Parker Avenue in Poughkeepsie. Payments can be made with checks or money orders payable to the DCDSPBA or through Venmo. If you are using Venmo, send the payment here and indicate which version you are purchasing.
