For the City Times

STEVENS POINT – Sentry Insurance Foundation will fund a new K-9 for the Stevens Point Police Department. The donation was offered in the wake of K-9 Luna’s unexpected passing last week due to organ failure.

“While our hearts remain heavy, we’re grateful to Sentry for assisting us in getting Officer Ballew a new partner,” said Police Chief Martin Skibba. “Luna was more than a police dog. She was a beloved member of our law enforcement family, and a valuable asset to the community.”

Luna, a Belgian Malinois trained in drug identification, tracking, and apprehension, began her service in April 2018 with K-9 Fala. They were the departments’ first K-9s. Luna provided the community invaluable service during her brief career.

Like many in the community, Elisha Robinson, Sentry’s chief planning officer, said associates at the company were saddened to hear the news of Luna’s passing.

“Stevens Point is near and dear to us,” Robinson said. “We understand that having two K-9s is critical to our police department, to our community. While we can’t replace what Luna meant to J.D. and his family, we’re glad to help the department move forward with its K-9 program.”

Police departments often are put on a waiting list for a police dog, however the kennel where Luna is from opened a spot for the department. The K-9 is expected to be acquired and trained over the next few months.