Cycling Fundraiser Supports Stow Police K9s

This spring staff at the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District will invite members of the community to join them on the Bulldog Benefit Ride to support K9s in the Stow and Munroe Falls police departments.

The cycling event will be held May 11 and will incorporate road routes in both Stow and Munroe Falls and the Metroparks Serving Summit County bike trail.

Jacquie Mazziotta, chairperson for the event, said riders will have the choice of two routes.

An 11-mile route will begin at Stow-Munroe Falls High School and head toward Silver Lake via S.R. 59, then pick up the bike path at Brust Park in Munroe Falls. Riders will then loop back to the high school.

Roads will be temporarily closed by the police department.

More avid cyclists may choose the 25-mile route, which will begin at SMFHS and travel entirely on the Metroparks bike path. Cyclists will head north, and will ultimately come back to the high school.

"We have had a great response from employees and community members, so we thought it would be great to invite residents and business owners to participate in the ride," Mazziotta said.

Stow Police Chief Louis Dirker said the department is expecting one of its K9s to retire this year, and the department just bought a new dog and is putting its handler through training.

"So we actually had to buy two dogs this year," he said.

The cost to buy a new K9 and pay for officer training is about $13,000.

"That’s a lot of funding to do for the two dogs," Dirker said.

Money raised through the Bulldog Benefit Ride will help pay for the new dog, its training and the maintenance, such as equipment and veterinarian bills, of the departments existing K9s.

For those interested in participating, but prefer not to ride, a fun walk will also take place around the SMFHS stadium track. All are welcome to attend!

The canine units will give a demonstration for families following the ride, and musical entertainment and refreshments will also be provided.

All participants will receive a T-shirt. Cost to enter is $25 per adult; $10 per child or $40 per family. Sponsors include Acme, Starbucks, Panera, Tri-County EAP, Cinnamon Enterprises, Mocha Joe’s, OnTap, Summa Health System and Bellacino’s.

For sponsorship information or additional event updates, visit www.facebook.com/bulldogbenefitride or email st_weaver@smfcsd.org or st_mazziotta@smfcsd.org.