T-shirt fundraiser underway to help support jail’s narcotics-detecting K9
The annual fall fundraiser for the Chelan County Regional Justice Center’s narcotics-detecting K9 program is in full swing.
K9 Gambit, a 4-year-old border collie mix trained to detect six odors, including fentanyl, is featured on t-shirts and hoodies that are on sale now. The money raised covers costs related to Gambit's training and care.
Gambit plays a key role in the jail’s drug interdiction program. Gambit recently alerted to a piece of drug-laced mail that someone was trying to get into the jail through the postal service, said Corrections Deputy Jacob Lewis, the jail’s K9 handler. In the last year, Gambit has conducted 204 searches between the jail, area schools and Washington Department of Correction facilities. Out of those searches, Gambit has had 33 confirmed finds, including methamphetamine and fentanyl, Lewis said.
“Gambit just completed his first full year with the jail and has really stepped into his role as our narcotics K9,” Lewis said. “While Gambit joined us during a difficult when K9 Kait unexpectedly passed away, he proves every day that he is the right dog for the job, picking up where his predecessor left off.”
People can order a t-shirt or hoodie online. T-shirts are $30 and are available in four colors. Hoodies are $40 and are available in two colors. Both come in a variety of sizes, including youth sizes. The fundraiser ends Nov. 6.
The t-shirt and hoodie fundraiser is one of the largest fundraisers the jail’s K9 program does annually. The jail’s K9 program is supported by donations, primarily grants, fundraisers, and community and business contributions. Money raised pays for additional training, equipment upkeep, supplies, general care for Gambit and any emergency medical care.
People who don’t want to purchase a t-shirt or hoodie can directly donate by contacting Lewis at Jacob.Lewis@co.chelan.wa.us. The jail’s K9 program also seeks businesses, organizations and people who want to become annual sponsors. Contact Lewis if you would like to be a sponsor of Gambit.
A rescue dog, Gambit comes to the jail via the DOC. A private donor rescued Gambit from an abusive situation and then donated him to the DOC K9 program, where Lewis and Gambit were paired.
Together Gambit and Lewis have continued to grow the jail’s drug interdiction program. In the past year, the duo has been featured at the Washington Risk Pool Association and Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs conferences. They have assisted three jails around the state with creating K9 programs.
In the community, Gambit and Lewis visit schools, clubs and community events to educate people about their work in the jail, the job of a narcotics-detecting dog and the corrections profession.
“Both Gambit and I thank our community and partners for their continued support,” Lewis said. “Without their help, the jail’s K9 program would not be as successful as it is, serving as a model for other Washington jails. Most importantly, their contributions secure Gambit’s well-being and take that fundraising pressure off so we can get to work for the jail and our community.”
To learn more about Gambit and Deputy Lewis, follow the pair on Instagram (k9_gambitandlewis) and TikTok (k9_gambitandlewis).
Last Updated: 11/12/2024 04:04 PM
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“Gambit just completed his first full year with the jail and has really stepped into his role as our narcotics K9,” Lewis said. “While Gambit joined us during a difficult when K9 Kait unexpectedly passed away, he proves every day that he is the right dog for the job, picking up where his predecessor left off.”