by April Scheinoha
Editor
Night to Unite attendees had the opportunity to meet the latest addition to the Thief River Falls Police Department – K9 Banner. Kids were especially excited to welcome Banner, whose K9 handler is Officer Wayde Jensen.
Prior to Night to Unite, the Thief River Falls City Council approved allowing the police department to purchase a 2020 Chevy Tahoe K9 squad and outfitting the used K9 squad.
Costing $28,692.77, the used squad is already equipped with K9-specific equipment.
However, the department will need to repurpose an existing radio, computer and camera that were removed from a retired squad. The department will also have the vehicle marked to be consistent with the other patrol vehicles at a cost of $800.
The purchase will be covered by public safety grant funding.