![\"Paul](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/02\/paul-melzer-web.jpg\")
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By Jeff Wilson<\/p>\n
The SIU Department of Public Safety wants to add one more dog to a campus represented by dawgs, and it\u2019s getting some help March 6 during the SIU Day of Giving.<\/p>\n
\u201cDPS seeks to acquire a K9 trained in explosives detection,\u201d said Chief Benjamin Newman.\u00a0\u201cThe K9 will be utilized during major events on campus. In the past, we\u2019ve requested assistance from other agencies to provide this service.\u201d<\/p>\n
Paul Melzer and Ian Reinhart, both SIU alumni and Country Financial representatives, have chosen the department\u2019s K9 fund for a Day of Giving matching gift.<\/p>\n
Through Country Financial, the pair secured $3,000 in grants to be given to the fund. They\u2019re encouraging others to match those dollars as the department attempts to raise $50,000 to fully fund the K9 unit.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey\u2019re a little shy of being able to purchase the dog,\u201d said Melzer, who is a veteran of the United States Navy. \u201cOur gift, with the help of those who match it, will get the department that much closer to beginning this process.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both men expressed the importance of supporting the campus police department.<\/p>\n
\u201cSmall amounts of money can make a big dent,\u201d said Reinhart, who is former law enforcement officer. \u201cThis is something that\u2019s a little less heralded and deserves funding.\u201d<\/p>\n
A K9 unit would be utilized during sweeps of Saluki Stadium and SIU Arena before sporting events, areas for special events, other community events and areas subjected to bomb threats.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn explosives detection K9 would be a benefit for the agency and the university,\u201d Newman said. <\/strong>\u201cWe are seeking to fund this program specifically through donations.\u201d<\/p>\n Melzer and Reinhart will be presenting a check to Chief Newman and providing lunch for the department March 6 on the Day of Giving.<\/p>\n \u201cWe believe in this stuff,\u201d said Melzer. \u201cThey\u2019re keeping folks safe. This is a proactive step. They\u2019re going above and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n For more information on the fund or to make a gift, visit police.siu.edu\/k9.php<\/a>. For more information about the matching gift and the Day of Giving, visit siuday.siu.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n Engage with us on\u00a0LinkedIn<\/a>,\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Twitter<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Instagram<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Jeff Wilson The SIU Department of Public Safety wants to add one more dog to a campus represented by dawgs, and it\u2019s getting some help March 6 during the SIU Day of Giving. \u201cDPS seeks to acquire a K9 trained in explosives detection,\u201d said Chief Benjamin Newman.\u00a0\u201cThe K9 will be utilized during major events … Continue reading Campus police raising funds for K9 unit<\/span>