K9 Kruise for Holliston's K9 Program

by Paul Saulnier 6/23/12

HPD K-9 Benefit Motorcycle Cruise

The early morning rain may have kept some bikers away, but there were still plenty of motorcycles to support Holliston's quest for a police dog. The police-escorted motorcycle ride covered about 50 miles of senic roads through Medway, Millis, Norfolk, Medfield, Dover, Sherborn, Ashland, and Hopkinton, with the help of officials in all of those towns.

Officer Matt Stone, who will be Holliston's K9 Officer, organized the event, with lots of help from Sergeant Craig Denman, below left, Andrea Minihan, and Chief John Moore. Donna Muzzy was also a big help with the event.

According to Officer Stone, "Not only did it raise additional funds for the new K9 Unit, but it spread the word about the program and created a lot of positive conversation about the program in general. We are approaching our fundraising goal and hope to purchase the police dog at the end of August. As we approach the last two months of fundraising, we will continue  to collect donations until our $20,000 goal is surpassed. We have approximately $16,500. A special thanks to Chuck Corman, Andrea Minihan, and Donna Muzzy, as they were instrumental in making this ride happen for us."

The registration tent was busy right up to 11:00 AM, the scheduled departure time. That's Jackie Napolitano helping with registrations. In addition to Andrea and Jackie, other town employees who donated their services included Bob Nemet, Diane Fitzgerald, Donna Muzzy, and Chuck Corman, a rider of international fame. On-call firefighter Dan Valovcin participated as well.

Lots of prizes were were donated by local businesses and residents in support of the K9 program. Tee shirts displaying the names of supporters were available as well.

Jack Dunnigan, who has known Matt Stone since he was "little", donated his time and sound system for the event.

Vest-A-Dog has been a big help to Holliston's efforts to start a K9 program. Today it was represented by Yvette Powers, left, and Nancy Wales.

That's Chuck Corman, left, making friends with motorcycle officers from Ashland and Natick.

Retired Chief Jim Peterson came to support the cause but would not be riding today as his bike is down for repairs.

There were bikes with an art-deco style,

and one inspired by Captain America.

Brain buckets make a statement as does the road kill strapped to the rack.

Law enforcement was well represented by motorcycle officers from Ashland, Marshfield, Natick, and Middlesex Sheriff's department.

No kickstand necessary when you ride with three wheels like this, the only Harley trike in today's K9 Kruise.

Said Officer Stone, "About 80 motorcycles participated in Saturday's event. After expenses were paid out, we raised about $1,500. We are $1500 closer to our goal than we were at the beginning of the day. A special thanks to Chuck Corman, Andrea Minihan, and Donna Muzzy, as they were instrumental in making this ride happen for us."

Sergeant Joe Quintin, a 25 year veteran of the Auxilliary Police, prepares to stop traffic on Washington Street as the motorcycles start their engines. Corporal Jeff Oteri also volunteered for duty this day.

                                       (photo courtesy of Carmen Chiango)

Ready to roll.

                                        (photo by Carmen Chiango) 

And they're off...

Online donations are accepted at no cost and 100% secure at the fundraising page, http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/HollistonPoliceK9unit/hpdk9

Posted in Police/Fire, News.

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