Aftermath Services awards $1000 K9 Grant to Pekin Police Department

PEKIN, Ill. - Nov. 17, 2016 - PRLog -- On Thursday, Aftermath Services presented the Pekin Police Department with a $1000 grant as 2^nd place winners in the company's 5^th Annual K9 Grant Competition. Over 3,000 police departments were nominated and more than 152,000 votes were counted during the event, which ran from September 30^th until October 31^st. Other winning departments include agencies in New Mexico, Pennsylvania, and New York.

As part of the Peoria metropolitan area, the city of Pekin is home to over 35,000 people. Protecting the community is a police force of 56 officers, including K9 Officer Ahen and his partner, Officer Rob Jones. The pair is assigned to routine patrol, but Ahren's multi-dimensional skillset may be called upon at any time. The Dutch Shepherd has a nose for narcotics, tracking, and suspect apprehension.

The Department's Public Information Officer, Detective Eeten, says Ahen has achieved celebrity status in the Pekin community due to his charismatic personality: "He loves interacting with people and is very good natured – the department takes him everywhere. He does a lot of community events and is a great ambassador. He is also a great listener!" The department relied on Ahen's popularity while competing for the grant. Local media outlets picked up the story; one TV station even reminded viewers to vote for Ahen each morning.

The grant comes at a perfect time, too. The Department is planning to retire the old K9 vehicle; the $1000 grant from Aftermath will be put toward the purchase of a cruiser for Ahen and his partner. The new vehicle will include upgraded safety features, such as a latch which allows the dog to exit the vehicle if their partner is in need of help.

Though the Pekin Police Department is excited about their winnings, Detective Eeten feels that the K9 Grant provided something even more priceless: "The very best part of this contest was how it brought our community together and got them engaged with us. No amount of money could get us that kind of support and interaction with our people. It made people care."

About Aftermath Services LLC

As the nation's largest dedicated crime scene cleanup company, Aftermath Services LLC proudly recognizes the contributions made by K9 officers and their partners. The annual K9 Grant is just one aspect of the Aftermath Cares program, aimed at acknowledging first responders for their ongoing efforts to protect and improve their communities. For more information on trauma cleaning services, or to learn more about the relationship between Aftermath and law enforcement, call 877-872-4339 or visit www.aftermath.com.