IMPORTANT INFO
The 2025 Region 1 Field Trials will be hosted by the Lakeland Police Department. More information will be posted as it comes available!
NOTICE!!! All mini-certifications will be increased from $75 to $100 per K-9 Team for the first cert. Any additional completed at the same time will still be $25 additional.
For those with a retired Florida police service dog, Governor DeSantis signed a bill allowing for $1,500 in annual funds to assist with vet expenses. Richie Geraci and his wife graciously took on the task of organizing and distributing these funds. Richie is a retired NYPD handler and a member of the USPCA in our very own region! Thank you Richie for giving back to the K-9 community!!!
Visit www.policek9help.com/assistance_fl.php to apply for this benefit. If you have questions, you can visit the site or email info@policek9help.com or call (315) 307-7625.
USPCA and AKC Reunite
The United States Police Canine Association, Inc. (USPCA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) have agreed to form an alliance. The USPCA Executive Committee met in Plainsboro, NJ, and they voted to form this association with AKC. One of the benefits of this alliance is AKC Reunite, Adopt a K-9 Cop matching grant. Our association with AKC allows us to sponsor USPCA members for grants to purchase canines. AKC initially set up this program for its member clubs to help law enforcement agencies purchase canines. When the USPCA became affiliated with them, we also gained AKC club status, which lets us submit requests for funding to AKC, which provides funding directly to the police. For an overview of the application or if someone requests information, you can send them to the main menu under Membership on the webpage and select AKC K9 Grant Program. Additionally, we require a USPCA membership before sending the applications forward to AKC. So far, we have added 20 new members through this funding process and helped add 30 new dogs to member agencies. There is no limit on the number of times you can apply for this resource.
How this works:
1. Limited to Law Enforcement
2. Departments must agree to display the AKC Reunite car logo on their police vehicle.
3. The USPCA can sponsor your requests, but you must be a member of the USPCA.
4. If you raise $2500, AKC Reunite will send your department a check for $7500.
5. A letter on department letterhead is needed confirming you have raised the $2500.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
• Applications must be in writing on the designated form or in the approximate format provided. Do not remove or omit any of the application’s questions. If a question is not applicable to your organization, please answer with N/A.
• To apply, submit the following application in a hard-copy format (Sections A, B, C D, and E). Emailed versions are acceptable in portable document format (PDF) form only. Do not fax the grant application. https://uspca1.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/AKC-Reunite-form.docx
• Retain one copy of the application for your records. Multiple copies, videotapes, or other attachments will not be accepted.
• Do not bind the application with staples or folders or put them into binders, as we must be able to separate and copy the application. Paper clips and binder clips are permitted.
• You will be contacted by telephone or email if there are any discrepancies or concerns regarding the application.
• Applicants will receive a Grant Follow Up email from AKC REUNITE annually.
• A grant application must be signed by an officer in a supervisory capacity, usually a Lt or higher
Mark Darnell K9grantapplication@gmail.com is now the USPCA contact person for the AKC Grant Program. If you have questions on how the program works, please get in touch with Mark.
Submit applications to Executive Director Don Slavik – uspcaexecutivedirector@gmail.com
See below for a message from Region 1 President Aaron Peterman:
Members and Guests,
I hope this finds everybody well. I wanted to reach out and remind you that your USPCA Region 1 Board is here should any of you need anything. Please keep in mind with the current attacks on our profession, that it is even more critical than ever to sharpen your skills and stay current on certifications. It is paramount we train on our weaknesses and in high liability areas and then certify to a standard. If you cannot attend the annual Spring field trial to certify, contact your area VP and we will come to you. We owe it to our communities to provide them with the best possible product we can. Regarding protective actions with your K-9s, I submit to you that just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Once your dog has done their primary job of locating and it is safe to do so, slow things down, use discretion, and consider other use of force options (IF SAFE). Lastly, remain vigilant when it comes to COVID 19, not only to protect yourselves, but your families and fellow law enforcement officers as well. As always, if a board member or I can do anything for you, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Sincerely, AP
REMINDER!!!
If you have a PD1, Detector, or Tracking (single purpose/floppy ear) case that you feel is worthy of a case of the quarter, remember to submit them to your region vice-president! Region 1 is adding a third category for case of the quarter category that is for single purpose tracking cases. These cases are for those single purpose tracking dogs only. Tracking cases involving a PD1 dog will still be submitted under PD1.