Thru the Lens: The Village Bank donates $20,000 to Newton K-9 unit

The Village Bank is the major sponsor of the city's plans to add a canine to the ranks of the Newton Police Department. Newton Mayor Setti Warren and Police Chief Matthew Cummings accepted the Village Bank's $20,000 check from community relations officer Susan Paley when the new K-9 unit was announced at City Hall Green. The newest member of the force, an 85-pound, 14-month-old German shepherd named Brix, who was specifically bred and raised for police work, arrived from the Czech Republic just days after the announcement. The dog's handler will be longtime police officer Daniel Valente. The K-9 team will stay together 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The officer and Brix are now enrolled in a rigorous 14-week training program. "The K-9 unit will provide the City and its residents with a whole new level of service," said Kenneth Brennan, president and CEO of The Village Bank. "From assisting in search and rescue missions, to keeping our schools and streets drug free, to helping enforce law and order in scores of other ways ‹ it¹s definitely a plus for our villages," added Brennan. "The Village Bank was pleased to help." Several other local businesses leaders also stepped up to offer financial support and services for the new K-9 unit, according to Chief Cummings. They include Braeburn Country Club, Charles River Country Club, Woodland Country Club, Bigelow Oil Co., Bigelow Realty Trust, Victor Nicolazzo and Charles Nicolazzo. Also, Veterinary Emergency Center of N.E., Amy Schroff, VMD; Highland Animal Hospital, Elizabeth Shepherd, DVM; National Lumber owners, Steven and Margie Kaitz; National Lumber general manager, Greg Assarian; WellPet regional distributor Linda Michael, and Advanced Canine Services. Brennan said that Brix and Officer Valente will be invited for a special guest appearance at The Village Bank at the conclusion of the training program. The City is creating a special website, newtonpoliceK9.com, where residents can track the progress of the new K-9 team. The Village Bank, established in 1910, is a state-chartered co-operative bank with seven full-service offices in Newton and Wayland and a Village Loan Center in Auburndale. Online banking services are offered at village-bank.com. ­ Newton Police chief Matthew Cummings and mayor Setti Warren accept the Village Bank's $20,000 donation in support of the city's new K-9 unit from The Village Bank's community relations officer, Susan Paley