Foundation Enhances Support for Police and Working Dogs in North Olympic Peninsula

Paul Collins, the founder, noted that Sheriff Brian King encouraged him to expand the mission of the Olympic Peninsula Police Canine Foundation. Collins explained that Sheriff King highlighted the importance of supporting search and rescue dogs, stating, "These dogs do a great service... They need funding. The county, I don’t know their budgets for that. So now it’s really about the canines in our community.”

A key project for the foundation involves assisting the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office in acquiring a drug-detection dog. Sheriff King emphasized that this resource would benefit agencies across the county, saying, “This is going to be a county-wide resource available to all the cities and our schools.” He mentioned that Clallam Bay currently has the only drug detection dog in the county, which is often unavailable due to being deployed elsewhere.

King also pointed out that tight budgets make the foundation's support vital. Various businesses have already contributed items such as a vehicle transport system, kennels, and other necessary equipment. Plans are underway for a dog to be brought in, with a current deputy expected to serve as the handler; however, no arrival date has been set.

Collins is also seeking volunteers with finance and fundraising skills to assist in the foundation's efforts, and more information can be found on the foundation’s website.