COVINGTON, KY – October 26, 2026 — A new fund established at Horizon Community
Foundation of Northern Kentucky will help support the purchase, training, equipment, and
ongoing care of K9s serving in law enforcement, public safety and the criminal justice system.
The KY K9 Fund was created to help ensure public safety K9 programs have the resources they
need to serve their communities, even when local government budgets are strained. From police
and bomb-detection K9s to electronic device detection, search and rescue, and courthouse
facility K9 teams, these highly trained dogs play an important role in protecting the public.
When county and municipal budgets tighten, K9 programs and their associated expenses can be
vulnerable to funding cuts. The KY K9 Fund will help provide resources for essential training,
equipment and program maintenance, while also supporting retired K9s so the financial
responsibility of their care does not fall entirely on their human partners.
“K9s are the unsung heroes of policing, and the KY K9 Fund will make sure our community has
the best furry, four-legged officers in Kentucky!” said Specialist Michael V. Lusardi, Covington
Police K9 Handler and KY K9 Advisory Board Member.
“Public safety K9s play an invaluable role in protecting our communities, and they deserve the
resources and care they need throughout their service and retirement. The KY K9 Fund is an
opportunity for our community to come together to support these dedicated teams and help
ensure they can continue doing their important work, regardless of budget constraints,” says
Nancy Grayson, President and CEO of Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky
The need for sustainable K9 funding was highlighted following Kentucky’s legalization of
medical marijuana. Because dogs trained to detect marijuana cannot distinguish between legally
authorized and illegally possessed marijuana, law enforcement agencies faced challenges with
existing K9 teams and their ability to support searches.
Kenton County Commonwealth’s Attorney Rob Sanders responded by purchasing six new K9s
for police departments using funds seized from drug dealers. With those funds now exhausted,
the KY K9 Fund will help replenish resources to support K9 programs and provide funding for
future needs.
Through community support and charitable giving, the fund aims to help law enforcement
agencies maintain well-trained, properly equipped K9 teams, and ensure valuable public safety
partners receive support throughout their service and retirement.
For more information about the KY K9 Fund or how to contribute,
visit https://horizoncfnky.org/fund/ky-k9-fund/.
About Horizon Community Foundation of Northern Kentucky
Horizon Community Foundation connects people with purpose by helping individuals, families,
businesses, and nonprofits achieve their charitable goals and invest in the future of Northern
Kentucky. Since its founding in 2017, Horizon has united resources, inspired generosity, and
fostered meaningful partnerships to strengthen the region through strategic philanthropy,
collaborative leadership, and grantmaking. Through these efforts, Horizon helps donors support
the causes they care about most and creates lasting, positive change across Northern Kentucky.
Media Contact
Katie Enzweiler
Director of Marketing and Engagement
kenzweiler@horizoncfnky.org
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