VISALIA (KMJ) — A Central Valley police officer’s foundation has raised more than $20,000 for a neighboring police department, still reeling from the loss of one of its own.
Visalia Police Officer’s Foundation set up a fundraiser for Tulare Police Department on Monday, following the death of K9 Bane after he was killed during an officer involved shooting on Sunday (click here to read more).
Tulare Police said Bane and his partner were both struck by gunfire: Bane receiving fatal injuries and the officer hit in the arm and torso. The investigation into the officer involved shooting was turned over to Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
The drive, set up in partnership with Tulare Police Paws for the Cause and Friends of Visalia Police K9, was established on Monday. It exceeded its $20,000 goal in four days. The money will be used to replace Bane and provide ballistic vests to other K9s.
“K9 Officer Bane’s death is a tragedy and we feel it,” wrote the Visalia Police Officer’s Foundation on Facebook. “We are determined to do everything we can to prevent this from occurring again.”
The fundraising continues on Facebook (click here). Checks can also be mailed to:
Visalia Police Officer’s Foundation
P.O. Box 1225
Visalia, CA 93279
(add “K9” on the check memo line)
Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired:
