Pictured: File photo of Alaska State Trooper Christopher Havens with fallen K9 Officer Helo
After the shooting death of a K9 during what should have been a routine traffic stop in Palmer, AK last Sunday, Alaska State Troopers are warning of fake GoFundMe pages that may pop up.
“In the wake of a Trooper K9 death, the Alaska State Troopers have become aware of a few Go Fund Me accounts and other fundraising efforts,” the official Alaska State Troopers page writes on Facebook. “While the Department of Public Safety appreciates the condolences and the overwhelming support that we have received from the public, we are not seeking any type of monetary donations.”
AST says that “any site requesting funds regarding the deceased K9, no matter how well meaning the intent, are not done in coordination with, or approval of, the Department.” Furthermore adding: “These fundraising efforts may be fraudulent in nature. Please refrain from donating to these solicitations.”
KTUU identified two such campaigns:
A GoFundMe account created on Sunday called “Help protect our AST K9S” claims to be raising money for a donation to Vested Interest in K9s Inc., a company that provides protective vests to police dogs.
“Our goal is $1075.00 which is enough for a single stab/ bullet resistant vest,” the page description reads.
Another account, called “Alaska State Troopers K9” wants to raise enough money to train a new dog to replace the deceased K9.
“This go fund me page will donate 100% to Alaska State Troopers to help with a new recruit,” the page reads
The Help protect our AST K9s page closed to donations after reaching $415 of its $1075 goal. A comment on the campaign states all Alaska Trooper K9s already have vests through Vested Interest in K9s.
Another campaign we found is asking for $4000 to provide vests for “State and Local K9’s.”
RIP and thank you for your service, Helo.