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Department of General Services Announces Improvements to Capitol Police K9 Unit

Chesapeake K9 Fund Helping Local Law Enforcement Agencies

BALTIMORE, MD – The Maryland Department of General Services recently announced improvements to the Maryland Capitol Police thanks to the help of the Chesapeake K9 Fund. In February 2017, the Chesapeake K9 Fund was formed by an Annapolis group of public safety supporters to raise money to provide financial support to local law enforcement agencies, specifically for K9 unit needs. This includes funding new K9 dogs, the purchase of protective gear, and custom technology updates for K9 vehicles.

“We would like to thank the Chesapeake K9 Fund for their generous donation to the Maryland Capitol Police,” said Maryland Capitol Police Chief Michael Wilson. “This new equipment and technology will assist our law enforcement officers and K9s in their roles to protect and serve the citizens of Maryland.”

In June 2016, the Maryland Capitol Police implemented their first K-9 Program, introducing Officer Charles Berkowich and Champ, a three-year old male English Labrador Retriever who graduated from a training academy for explosives detection. Currently, Champ’s duties include protecting dignitaries, state complexes, and checking public areas for explosives. In November 2016, the Maryland Capitol Police gained an additional English Labrador Retriever K-9 unit, Bo, also a graduate from a training academy for explosives detection and his handler, Officer Barry Stonestreet.

The Maryland Capitol Police has acquired K-9 equipment such as dog kennels for K-9 use at home, as well as two F3 series heat alarm deployment systems and installs. The F3 series heat alarm deployment system provides features such as heat alerts, window roll-down system, and remote deployment, which keep Champ and Bo safe while on patrol.

The Chesapeake K9 Fund will be hosting their Inaugural Chesapeake K9 Fund 5K on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at Quiet Waters Park, Annapolis, MD. Registration begins at 7:30am, race begins at 9am. In support their excellent work, the Maryland Capitol Police will be participating in the 5K.

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About DGS: The Department of General Services is responsible for essential services and programs administered on behalf of the state, including procuring goods and services; designing, building, leasing, managing and maintaining facilities; leading energy conservation efforts; and providing essential services such as fuel management, disposition of surplus property and records management. The Department of General Services Maryland Capitol Police maintains safety and security at state buildings.


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