While other students are scrambling to finish their Senior Projects, Otto Ducey will be at ease, since he finished his Senior Project in late July, before his senior year even began, by raising funds for the Sacramento Police Department K9 Unit.

“Bandit’s Buddies” successfully raised $1,000 for two cooling units and a fan for the K9s who protect and serve the community with their human partners. Otto Ducey, left, presents a check to Sacramento Police Officer Gary Dahl and Bandit, his German Shepherd K9 partner. Bandit survived being shot in the line of duty earlier this year. Future fundraisers may go to purchasing Kevlar vests for K9s. / Valley Community Newspapers photo by Celia Green

“Our goal was to raise $998, to purchase two cooling units and a fan for the dogs,” Ducey said. “We ended up with $1,032.”

Money was raised by selling “Bandit’s Buddies” bracelets and local businesses Dude, Where’s My Yogurt and Subway (both in the Promenade Shopping Center) gave a portion of proceeds from one night to the fund. In addition, many friends and neighbors made cash donations.

Bandit is a four-year-old German Shepherd who was shot in the line of duty in March of this year. He returned to work a month later and served, with his partner Officer Gary Dahl, as Grand Marshal in the Pocket neighborhood’s 4th of July parade.

“Of course, we will always accept donations,” Dahl said. “We’ll be getting two more K9 officers in September, and possibly a third. That third officer will need a vest. And the vests don’t last forever. After about five years the Kevlar doesn’t protect you like it should, so new vests have to be purchased.”

“I’m really grateful that so many people contributed, and that businesses like ‘Subway’ and ‘Dude, Where’s My Yogurt?’ were able to take part in such a great experience that will benefit the dogs who serve everyday in the police force,” Ducey said. “I would also like to give a special thanks to my friends, neighbors, and family, and of course to Kathi Windheim, who came up with the idea and helped me the whole way.”

For more information, or to donate, visit www.spdk9.org.