By Joe Bachman

New K-9 training for Wood County will see funding for years to come due to The Acacia foundation of Central Wisconsin.

The Acacia Foundation provides supportive services to law enforcement, public protection, and public safeties through donations received from private citizens. These citizens are made up of local businesses and individuals committed to the continued support of K-9 duty in central Wisconsin.

The non-profit organization was set up in 2013 to address the need to replace retiring K-9, Rico. The founders realized the need to replace K-9’s on a predictable basis. Acacia member Ted Lyons states that the primary focus is to establish an endowment to continue to replace the K-9’s as need be.

“Right now, we’ve raised approximately $30,000,” said Lyons. “The remarkable thing about this program is that most of that $30,000 that was raised, was raised by individuals donating a relatively modest amount.”

Wood County Sheriff Thomas Reichert has expressed his complete support for the foundation and its goals.

Wood County Sheriff Thomas Reichert. (Contributed Photo)

“The Acacia Foundation is something that the Sheriff’s department believes is very important and we’re very appreciative of it,” said Reichert. “The idea that we will have funding for our K-9 program years into the future is something that I find as a comfort in terms of a legacy for my time as Sheriff, and I think it’s something that the people of Wood County are going to enjoy the benefit of for generations to come.”

The Sheriff recognized those serving on the board of members in the Acacia Foundation and the donations that they’ve made towards a continued K-9 program in Wood County.

“The folks that are willing to serve on the board and people that are willing to donate money to the foundation so far, I think are truly making an investment in the future,” said Reichert. “–In our department, and in our county, and it’s something I’m very appreciative of.”

For more information on the Acacia Foundation, or to make a donation, please call 715-423-0397.