Movement in Plum to keep borough's only police dog

PLUM, Pa. — There is a movement in Plum to keep the borough's only police dog.

Council has already voted to fire the dog to save money.

Residents are making a hard push for council members to change their minds.

The dog is trained to sniff out drugs in the community.

"This drug business means a little more to me because my youngest son is up in the Plum Borough cemetery," said Sarah Steele, one of dozens who stood up in favor of keeping Plum Borough's K-9 program.

TRENDING NOW:

• Fleas in test positive for plague
• Man wanted for leading police on chase
• Holiday-volume traffic expected along eclipse viewing path
• VIDEO: Neighbors help 7-month-old whose mother was shot, killed next to her

Two months ago, council voted unanimously to end the program, citing money as the reason.

"They're saying they can't afford the program," added William O'Leary, another supporter. "I don't put money on it. To me, what is a person's life worth?"

More than 1,500 Plum Borough residents signed a petition to save K-9 Voda. Supporters say Voda, whose primary duty is narcotics, and his handler, Officer Lee Temple, have made a difference in the war on drugs in their community.

Council president Mike Doye addressed the crowded chambers saying council will take the resident's comments and give the issue another look.

"We're going to have a discussion and look into continuing the K-9 program and we'll go from there," Doyle said.

Residents tell Channel 11 they will be at every meeting until council changes its mind.

The program is set to end on Dec. 31.

Cox Media Group