Nevada City, Calif. September 30, 2016 – Rüdiger Fan Club and the WNCK9A announce that Nevada City K9 Officer Rüdiger will deliver the game ball at the Nevada Union Miners football game this evening. Officer Scott Goin and his K9 partner have been asked to lead uniformed servicemen and first responders onto the field to deliver the game ball for this evening’s matchup between Nevada Union Miners and the Del Oro Golden Eagles. Kickoff is 7:30pm in the Nevada Union Stadium.

“We’re honored to have been included in the opening festivities,” stated Officer Goin, Rüdiger’s handler. “It’s appreciated throughout the law enforcement community that NU chooses to recognize and support all who serve and who have served, as they are doing this evening. Rüdiger and I are proud to take part.”

Nevada Union Football has a long tradition of honoring those who serve their country. NU Football Heroes Night was created to recognize and thank those who serve. Men and women who arrive in uniform and possess a form of service identification will gain free admittance to the game this evening and will be encouraged to take the field to help deliver the game ball with Rüdiger.

Rüdiger was born in the Czech Republic and purchased in 2015 through the generosity of the community. As a small town with budgetary constraints, Nevada City Police Department did not have the funds to support a K9 Officer. Understanding the value of a K9, both to community safety and the safety of our officers, the community raised and provided the necessary $71,000 to acquire and train the dog, and to purchase the specially equipped K9 vehicle.

Annually, the Nevada City K9 Program is estimated to cost approximately $28,000. This includes ongoing training as well as veterinary, food, kenneling, handler stipend, safety equipment, maintenance, upkeep and fuel on the special vehicle required to keep Rüdiger safe.

Rüdiger is 100% community funded. The community supports Rüdiger through fundraising events and private donation. In addition, Western Nevada County K9 Association was formed to provide ongoing support to the Nevada City K9 Program and to acquire funds to purchase a K9 Officer for the Grass Valley Police Department. 100% of all donations go to fund the local K9 program.

Another way to support Rüdiger and stay abreast of all events is to like his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/R%C3%BCdiger-Fan-Club-1615920895292907/