The K9 Fun Fest promises opportunities to meet the three canine heroes.
All three dogs are professionally certified and full-time members of the Prescott Police Department K9 and Victim Services units and funded solely by the community.
Organizers expect a good turnout, with proceeds dedicated to providing much-needed items used in the dogs’ training, health care, comfort and general maintenance. Tickets for the K9 Fun Fest are $50 per adult and $40 for children age 12 and under.
“Espire Sports is proud to support the Prescott Police K9 Unit and is looking forward to a really fun event,” said Jim Thomas, founder and CEO of the sports complex.
Meanwhile, all three dogs are comfortable with public interaction. Benny and Cooper often make appearances to raise funds at events like Shop with a Cop and Trunk or Treat.
Administrative Sergeant Jack Shapiro, who serves in the Patrol Bureau at the Prescott Police Department, supervises the K9 Unit and has closely followed the progress of the two drug detection dogs. “Benny and Cooper are doing well,” he said. “They are both over 5 years old now, but have not slowed down a bit.”
Officer Luke Million now handles Benny and the K9 team is currently assigned to assist Partners Against Narcotics Trafficking (PANT), the local narcotics task force.
Cooper is with handler Officer Kyle Alltop, who is assigned to the patrol divisions and available to help patrol officers detect narcotics on traffic stops.
Shapiro said the canines are in need of training supplies, such as odor detection items, harnesses, leashes and obstacles for obedience training. Medical bills for Benny and Cooper are generally covered by a grant from the Arizona Community Foundation of Yavapai County.
“We receive quality food donated by Pawz N Clawz of Prescott,” Shapiro said. “We are constantly looking at ways to improve our training yard, and our current goal is to add some artificial turf and cover for shade during training in the summer. Donations from the community would definitely assist us in getting closer to this goal.”
Eden works for Prescott PD in the Victim Services Unit. She also partners with the Yavapai County Attorney’s Office. Her job is to work with child victims of sexual abuse and assault crimes by providing support and comfort during police or forensic interviews and during court proceedings when a child must testify against their abuser.
When she is not working with victims, Eden spends time with officers, dispatchers, firefighters and staff.
Senior Victim Advocate Amy Fillingim, who is a facility K9 handler in the Victim Services Unit at the Prescott Police Department, works with Eden as a certified pet therapy team. “Eden turned 3 years old this past May,” Fillingim said. “Eden is healthy and happy and loves to engage with those who need her. It happens time and time again that she will enter a room and go right to the person who needs her the most.”
Fillingim has worked with Eden for more than two years and said the dog has accomplished much in serving the citizens of Prescott. “She is a remarkable creature, and her program is incredibly compelling and vital. To date, Eden has helped these victims of sexual violence find the strength within themselves to speak to the atrocities that have occurred to each of them, helping to put numerous offenders behind bars.”
Since Eden began her work, offenders have been sentenced to a total of 134 years in prison. Most recently, Eden helped to secure a life sentence.
Proceeds from the Fun Fest will help pay for food, treats and grooming for Eden. In addition, children who traverse the criminal justice process are given Eden swag, including t-shirts, stickers and trading cards.
The K9 Fun Fest promises opportunities to meet the three canine heroes. The complex will be open exclusively to event participants and they will have access to all the games and courts. The event also will offer a buffet and cash bar, plus a silent auction and raffle. QCBN
By Betsey Bruner, QCBN
For tickets to the K9 Fun Fest, visit espiresports.com/k9funfest.
Courtesy Photo: Cooper and Benny pose in the police yard with a dog statue.
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