By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Helena Police Department is still in need of a new police K9 to help replace Bak, the former K9 for HPD who passed away from cancer last year, and the department will move closer to reaching their financial goal to find a replacement thanks to a generous donation from the office of Clint Neville with Farmers Insurance in Helena.

Law Enforcement Appreciation Day was observed on Monday, Jan. 9, and to show support for those who protect and serve, the Farmers Insurance branch of Helena held a month-long fundraiser to help the Helena Police Department fund a new K9.

Helena citizens were encouraged to go on the Farmers Insurance Clint Neville Agency Facebook page and comment with a story about how the HPD has helped them, a neighbor or the city of Helena in general.

In response to the comments, the agency made a $25 donation for each story shared about HPD during the month-long fundraiser to help them fund a new K9.

“We are new to Helena and I recently locked both sets of keys in my car–on field trip day! They (HPD) were at my house within minutes and so helpful to recover both sets…. and I was on time for the field trip,” one citizen shared on Facebook.

The contest ran until Feb. 1, and Farmers Insurance used input from the Helena community to honor the entire Helena police force by presenting a check for $1,000.

The check was presented to Helena Police Chief Pete Folmar, Lt. Brady Flynn and officer Philip Richards.

“Thank you to all of you that had stories and/or comments to show appreciation to our exceptional HPD! We were able to present a check for $1,000 to the HPD K9 fund,” the agency posted on their Facebook page on Feb. 14. “We are truly blessed to have such a fine team of men and women of character and integrity helping to keep Helena awesome. If you see one of our men or women in blue today, take a minute to thank them for their service. Thanks again Helena!”

Folmar said at the Feb. 13 Helena City Council meeting that the past few Helena Police Department K9s were purchased through donations from citizens and businesses in the city of Helena and the department is getting closer to having enough money to purchase a new K9.

The office of Clint Neville with Farmers Insurance in Helena is located at 2600 Shelby County 58 in Helena. The business is open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.