HPD Gets New Police K-9

The Harrison Police Department will add a new four-legged member later this year after the town board approved the department's proposal to purchase a new police K-9.

Police Chief Anthony Marraccini said the dog, which costs about $15,000, will be paid for using budgeted money, donations and narcotics money yielded through department investigations. The town will also pay $22,000 to send an officer to Blacklick, OH, from October 15 to November 30.

Marraccini, who spoke with Patch earlier this week about , said Thursday a recent burglary in town is one of the many reasons why police dogs are critical. 

"I'm concerned about a flare-up," he said. "I want to make sure the criminal community is aware of the resources we have."

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Harrison is one of 10 municipalities in Westchester County to have at least one police K-9, Marraccini said. The new police dog should be available for service late in 2012, about the same time one of the town's two active dogs is set to retire.

Not everyone was thrilled with the board's decision. Harrison resident Lucille Held said the town is throwing away money because the Westchester County Police Department's K-9 Unit is already available to Harrison.

"This is just an expenditure that is absolute rotten waste," she said.

Marraccini said the county unit isn't always available and can take as long as an hour to arrive. He added that the cost will help create a safer community, saving people money in the long run as property values are maintained.

"I look at law enforcement as an investment in our community," he said.

The Harrison Town Board voted 5-0 in favor of adding the new K-9.

"We owe it to everyone to have the best law enforcement we can afford," said Harrison Mayor/Supervisor Ron Belmont.