OXFORD — New K9 Unit Roscoe and handler Matt Hardin were introduced to Oxford City Council during its meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 5.
Not only did council get to meet the K9 officer, but they also got to meet the people who funded him — TriHealth and The Matt Haverkamp Foundation.
After introducing Roscoe and telling council about the dog, Oxford Police Division (OPD) Chief John Jones recognized The Matt Haverkamp Foundation.
“That is how Roscoe was funded. He was funded by TriHealth, through The Matt Haverkamp Foundation. This foundation has provided 41 K9s since its inception in 2006. Roscoe is the 41st K9 that they have provided to area police departments,” Chief Jones said.
“We have Nancy and Bruce [Haverkamp] here tonight representing the foundation and standing up for their son who was a K9 officer. It is in his memory that they provide these K9s.”
The Matt Haverkamp Foundation, a non-profit, was established in November 2005 in remembrance of its namesake who was a K9 handler. According to its website, the mission of the foundation is to continue Matt Haverkamp’s legacy and keep his memory alive by supporting the law enforcement agencies in communities in the greater Cincinnati area.
It was in partnership with TriHealth that the Haverkamp Foundation was able to provide Roscoe for the City of Oxford.
Chief Jones added, “TriHealth came through big for us. They paid $14,000 for the dog and the training. They also agreed to fund additional expenses we have yet to incur. Things like, the lightweight bullet proof vest that will go on Roscoe. It is great to have such community support.”
Jeanette Altenau, Director of Community Relations with TriHealth, also took the podium to speak. “We have partnered with the Haverkamp Foundation for about a year. Roscoe is our third K9 Officer that we have provided for cities. They have been great partnerships,” she said. “We’re excited to partner with your community and we do look at it as an investment in the community — to keep you safer.
“These K9 0fficers are amazing what they can do. Watching them for a year has been quite incredible,” she said.
“We’re also happy to help Oxford with this K9,” Nancy Haverkamp added. “It helps keep your community safe and we are very proud to keep Matt’s legacy alive.”
