Business looking to raise money

LOUDON COUNTY, Tenn. (WVLT) - In honor of National K-9 Officer Veteran Appreciation Day, the Patriot Homes Team of Keller Williams Realty is looking to help the Loudon County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit buy six new tracking vests.

In addition to the vests, which cost about $500 each, the company is looking to also raise money for training future K-9 officers since the department will soon retire two of its K-9 officers.

Chris Hutchens, chief of operations at the Loudon County Sheriff’s Office, said the K-9s are a part of the family and retiring for them is just as hard as it is for us.

“So when retirement comes, it’s a hard transition because they’re used to seeing you get up and go to work, and they’re coming right with you. That first few days when you’re walking out the door and they’re like ‘Why am I not coming with you?’” said Hutchens. “I think it’s important for everyone to know what the dogs do on the road and how they become such a part of the family over the years.”

Training a K-9 costs about $25,000, and Michelle Sindy with the Patriot Homes Team said the community has already stepped up for the officers.

“The community support has been incredible. With the amount of donations that have come in, the people have just supported them. We had just three weeks to plan this, so next year we’re going to make this an annual event and be able to support them as much as we can because they keep us safe,” Sindy said.

On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office held a demo and meet-and-greet with the community as part of the fundraiser.

Sindy said she’s planning on making this an annual event to help support the K-9s and the sheriff’s office.