Gary cops raise money for K-9

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Updated: January 23, 2012 4:12AM

GARY — When Gary police need help of the four-legged variety to help chase down a suspect or locate hidden drugs, they must call another law enforcement agency and hope there’s a K-9 team that can respond quickly.

Patrolman Irving Givens said he and many co-workers were frustrated by the department’s lack of this important tool.

And although Givens, an 11-year veteran, resigned recently to take a railroad security job, he is leaving behind a significant contribution.

Beginning Monday, Cpl. John Artibey and Patrolman Andrew Cuevas will spend six weeks training with their brand new K-9 partners, purchased with donations obtained by Givens and Artibey.

Givens and Artibey formed Gary Canine Association and raised more than $28,000 from residents and local businesses. Most of that money will purchase two dogs and training for Artibey and Cuevas at Faus K-9 Specialties in Elkhart.

“I was on the SWAT team and in the drug unit, we had to use an outside agency when we needed a dog,” Givens said. “There are a lot of different tools that can come from having a dog.”

Brad Faus, vice president of the family-owned company, said about six police officers will begin training Monday by selecting their partner from dogs recently obtained by the firm.

“They get what we call a green dog that can chase a ball and that’s it. After six weeks, the dog will protect these officers and will be able to locate narcotics, explosives, people and guns,” Faus said. His father has been training K-9 teams since 1974, he added.

In addition to providing assistance in critical police situations, the K-9 teams are often invited to demonstrate their skills at schools and community meetings, Faus said.

Givens said he consulted with a lawyer and an accountant before establishing the Gary Canine Association.

“It’s all on the up and up,” he said. He expects to obtain a not-for-profit status by the end of the year, so donations will be tax deductible.

Indiana State Board of Accounts office supervisor Todd Austin said donations made to public employees would have to be deposited into designated funds, such as a not-for-profit, to be legitimate.

No one from the city would comment on the fundraising efforts of Givens and Artibey. City spokeswoman LaLosa Burns did not return messages left last week by the Post-Tribune. Chief Anthony Stanley canceled an interview with the Post-Tribune on Wednesday, and police spokesman Cmdr. Pete Sormaz said he didn’t have any information on the matter.

“I did this for the community. I will stay involved even if I’m not working for the city anymore,” Givens said.

Reach Lori Caldwell at 648-3258.