New Police Dog for Payson a Month Away

A lot of determination and effort by eleven-year-old Camden Mead and twelve-year-old Ben Larsen has paid off.  Payson Police will now have its own K-9 unit.

The Salem students initiated a fundraising effort for their neighboring city’s police department earlier this year after becoming aware that Payson did not have a K-9 to use in investigations and police procedures.

Working close with local police, their efforts were furthered recently when Payson Police received several grants to use to obtain a specially trained police dog.  The National Police Dog Foundation awarded Payson $5,000, according to Payson Police Chief Brad Bishop, speaking briefly at the June 17 city council meeting, with another $2,500 awarded to the department by Payson Walmart.

“[Camden Mead and Ben Larsen] raised another $1,200,” recently, Chief Bishop added.  “Which brings us to about $3,500.”

Payson Lions Club members also contributed to the K-9 program, according to Rhett Huff, Payson Lions President. A donation of $225--$200 from the club’s humanitarian fund and another $25 thanks members and Tailtwister Ned Deuel’s expertise in collecting it from them--was presented to the Payson Police Department.

Payson and Salem law enforcement officials joined the Lions Club at a recent meeting.  Police Chief Brad Bishop, Officer Ryan Porter, Officer Mike Doyle, and Salem K-9 Officer Greg Smith and his police dog shared a presentation and demonstration on the procedures involving the work.

“It was an amazing meeting,” Mr. Huff said, sharing the club’s sentiment in the June 17 city council meeting’s public forum.  “And we appreciate their support.”

He encouraged Payson City to continue to support the local police department’s K-9 program endeavors.

With the funding received so far, Payson Police were able to proceed with selecting a K-9 provider, and have settled on one located in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to Chief Bishop.  

“Officer Doyle will be flying back to Little Rock on July 13 to select the dog,” Chief Bishop said. “He will be there for about one week, where he will undergo their training.”

After Officer Doyle returns, on July 17, he will resume training as the Payson Police Department K-9 is added to the force.