Tower couple donates K-9 start-up costs

It is a doggone shame there are not more people like the Matelskis of Tower.

Earlier this week, Cheboygan County sheriff Dale Claremont announced that Tony and Roberta Matelski have made it possible to establish a K-9 unit in Cheboygan County.

Claremont lauded the couple during this week?s regular meeting of the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners. They have contributed more than $45,000 to the county for the purchase of a K-9 police vehicle, as well as training for the animal and its trainer.

They also have donated another $4,000 for other expenses this year. Deputy Matt LaCross and his German shepherd partner, Taser, will be teaming up and using the new vehicle.

Claremont, LaCross, and Taser all appeared before the county board. The sheriff said the K-9 unit is up and running after five weeks of training in Mt. Clemens last fall. They have been on several calls already.

DURING CLAREMONT?S PowerPoint presentation he listed the benefits to law enforcement, which include: ? Psychological effect on criminals and crime reduction. ? Aid in detecting presence of and capturing suspects. ? Protection of officers. ? Favorable effect on police public relations. ? Potential non-lethal weapon.

Claremont said the Matelskis are good friends and talked for more than a year about establishing the K-9 unit, a goal of the sheriff?s since he took office in 2000.

The K-9 unit is a 2007 Ford Explorer with four-wheel drive. It has a custom kennel package

for police dogs. The vehicle has added features for animal and officer.

A device monitors the inside temperature and lowers the windows and activates the horn if it gets too hot. The product is appropriately called the ?Hot-N-Pop? system. A fan also will go on if it gets too warm. If the vehicle gets too hot the vehicle door will automatically open.

The officer has a remote control to let the dog out if her or she is some distance from the vehicle.

?With community support and by working together we are able to better protect our community and the citizens who live here,? said Claremont.

Susie McLanahan of Central Lake also provided funds to purchase a bulletproof vest for Taser.