Zephyr Elementary School’s fourth-grade art classes, along with their teacher Mr. Charles Matz, were asked to support Whitehall Police Department’s K-9 force at the recent 2018 East Coast K-9 Trials. Whitehall Police Department Sgt. Jeff Apgar and his K-9 partner, Mex, were at the event, held at Thunderhead Farm, New Tripoli.

More than 12 police and K-9 units took part.

The entire fourth-grade class discussed K-9s and had the opportunity to create artwork through mixed media. Their work was displayed throughout the building and lined the barn walls during the event. Many were appreciative and felt honored Matz and his students showed their support for them.

The event honored those who give their lives to protect and serve their communities. It was coordinated by many supporters through the K-9 Kop Project and gave the public the opportunity to see into the lives of police officers and their K-9 partners.

There were various activities and trials performed to show the public how officers and K-9s train together. The goal of the event was to raise funds for officers, and the mission was to help educate the public.

There are needs for K-9 units and military dogs throughout the United States. K-9s have proved to help save lives, but many departments do not have the funding or budget for these partners.

Mex is a 5-year-old Belgian Malinois. He and Apgar are part of the Medical Emergency Response Team SWAT unit, and Mex is a trained narcotics K-9.

Mex is part of the Apgar family. They take him everywhere, even on vacation.

“His personality is great. He’s an extremely social dog. He’s very compassionate, but yet he is able to flip that switch and do the job when he’s needed to,” Apgar said.

For more information on how to support the K-9 Kop Project, email K9kopproject@gmail.com or visit Facebook.com/K9KopProject. You can also learn how to sponsor an officer.