Community support is crucial to keeping the Gary Police Department’s K9 unit functioning, one police corporal said Tuesday.
“All the training, the price of a dog and the different types of equipment is a lot of money,” said Cpl. Anne Malinoff. “Having that support is amazing so we can continue to help our community.”
Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, on Tuesday, presented the Gary Police Department with $25,000 for its K9 unit. At the presentation, Malinoff introduced Phouka, the department’s newest K9 officer — a nearly two-year-old Belgian Malinois.
Malinoff and Phouka finished training school in June, she said Tuesday, and he’s certified in patrol, detection and officer protection, with specialized training in explosives and firearm detection.
Malinoff began to work with Phouka after her last K9 retired at 9 years old.
Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon thanked Hard Rock for its support of the department and K9 unit. He also recognized Malinoff for her work with Phouka.
“They’re a great combination,” Cannon said. “They went through some extensive training in July this year, and I want to say that training has already paid off for our department. They’ve already been involved in a couple of incidents, like the recovery of firearms, which is really important in our agency.”
Jamie Harris, Hard Rock’s vice president of security and transportation, said it’s important for the casino to help public safety.
“We hope this (donation) will help strengthen the vital program, which enhances public safety through the incredible work of the Gary Police Department and its K9 partners,” Harris said.
Previously, the casino and city announced they would allocate $5.5 million over five years to buy more than 80 police vehicles for the Gary Police Department. The casino plans to donate $3 million and the city will match $2.5 million, according to Post-Tribune archives.
In 2025, Hard Rock will donate $1 million and Gary will match $500,000, which will be used to buy 23 new police vehicles. From 2026 to 2029, Hard Rock will donate $500,000, and the city will match $500,000, which will go toward buying 15 vehicles each year, according to Post-Tribune archives.
Ellis Dumas, the city’s chief of staff, said Tuesday that the partnership between Hard Rock and Gary is more than a collaboration and shows the two’s commitment to public safety and well-being of all residents.
“The addition of K9 Officer Phouka with incredible skills and dedication is a game changer for the police department and community as a whole,” Dumas said. “This is a tangible example of how, when working together, private and civic leaders can create real and meaningful impact.”
mwilkins@chicagotribune.com
