Northern Cambria K-9 Unit re-established after months of fundraising

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — There's a new furry friend now protecting the streets of Northern Cambria.

Kato, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois, joined the team in July after several weeks of intense training.

"It's great having Kato here. So far, he's been a fantastic dog. We're really happy with his training, and how far he's come,” said Derek Stitt, the Chief of Police for Northern Cambria.

It's been over four years since the Northern Cambria Police Department had a K-9 Unit, which was most recently led by Dave Hassen.

But now, that tool is back in their tool belt, as the unit has been reinstated.

Kato is handled by Officer Rusty Wills.

"It's a good tool to have to search for discarded evidence, such as a firearm or illegal drugs,” said Officer Stitt.

Many donations to get Kato came from the Officer Matthew Krupa Memorial Foundation.

Nanty Glo native Matthew Krupa was killed last year while working as a police officer in Texas.

His sister, Brittany Brown, says he always dreamed of becoming a K-9 officer.

She got to meet Kato at their 2nd Annual Cornhole Tournament last month, where they raised thousands of dollars for the Northern Cambria K-9 Unit.

"I could definitely feel my brother's excitement. I could just feel that my brother was there, and how excited he was,” she told 6 News.

Brittany asked the officers to name the new K-9 Kato for a special reason.

She asked Officer Stitt about the request.

"If you would consider naming the K-9 after my brother's K-9, which is Kato. Without hesitation, he said absolutely,” she said.

If the department raises enough money to eventually get another K-9, they will name it Krupa.

“His K-9 Kato was his child. That was just his baby. There’s no words to describe how cool that was," Brittany said about her late brother.

The Northern Cambria Police Department's "Cops, Kids, and Community" event will be held Monday, August 8 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The event will consist of:

• Meeting police personnel
• Touring the station
• Public safety and crime prevention tips
• Meet Kato for a K-9 Demonstration
• Children's activities (bouncy houses and face painting)
• Light refreshments
• Corn hole
• Door prizes
• T-shirts available for purchase
• Handing out MV 44 forms for people with damaged or pulling registration plates so they can get a new plate mailed to them.

The Northern Cambria Police Department is holding an ATV raffle.

They also hold monthly t-shirt sales and occasional fundraisers.

Click here for more information on the Northern Cambria Police Department K-9 Unit.

Click here for more information on the Officer Matthew Krupa Memorial Foundation.

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