By Steve Steiner
Managing editor
ssteiner@elkintribune.com


JONESVILLE -- Friday was an exciting day for the fifth-grade students of Mr. Voss' homeroom at Jonesville Elementary High School, and for good reason. They were the students who raised the most money -- more than $180 -- that will go to the purchase of a vest for Bak, the K-9 member of the Jonesville Police Department.

"The students raised $831.62 in three days, not including community donations," said school counselor Beth Payne in an email. "Because we exceeded our goal, we will also be purchasing an official badge for Bak to wear."

As they sat in the classroom, it was easy to tell that the students couldn't wait for their reward -- a pizza party to get started -- and for the arrival of a special visitor: Bak.

Shortly before they finished eating, the guest of honor arrived, with several members of the Jonesville police force in tow. A cry of excitement went up as Bak padded into the room.

Bak appeared excited to be in the classroom. At one point he arose on his hind legs and placed his front paws on school guidance counselor Beth Payne, who petted him on his head.

Sgt. Vestal told the students the word in the foreign language that Bak would understand as meaning for him to lie down. At the count of three, Vestal and the students called out the word and Bak lay down.

The students were praised by Jonesville Police Chief Reece (who, in an earlier article had been identified as Captain Reece.)

"My understanding is, you raised $191," Reece said. "That was great."

Reece also told the students that since more than the $600 needed for the vest was raised, that the Jonesville Police force was also able to order an official badge for Bak to wear.

There was more to tell the students.

"We want to take the vest and put a patch on it, the Jonesville Elementary School patch," said Sgt. Vestal.

The students' reaction was one of excitement.

Reece and the other members of the Jonesville Police force took questions from students. One student asked how much did Bak cost.

"I believe he cost us $7,000," said Reece. "But he was already trained. Plus the cost included transportation from Europe, where he was trained.

That prompted verbal responses

Sgt. Vestal took the opportunity to explain another interesting aspect about Bak. Once a dog joins a police force, most are trained and remain with just one officer. However, that is not the situation with Bak.

"Bak has adjusted real well to Officer Nance," said Vestal.

Vestal told the students that now Bak and Vance would be partners. He asked the students if they remembered what had happened when he, Reece, Bak and Nance had visited just a few weeks ago. The students all said yes.

At that time, Bak had attacked Nance in their presence. But Vestal reminded the students that the attack was a demonstration (Nance was wearing protective gear), and that Bak actually liked Nance.

For one student, the highlight of the day was not only the pizza and the opportunity to see Bak and the other members of the Jonesville Police. Abby Layell had the honor of presenting a check to Police Chief Reece.

Earlier that afternoon, Layell had been cited as the student who had donated the most money.

"It was the money I had earned making straight A's," she said.

Soon it was time for the students to attend their next class.

About the fundraiser


According to school counselor Beth Payne, the vest costs $600. The students at Jonesville raided $831.62 in three days, not including community donations; $250 was received from area businesses and local individuals. Proceeds raised in excess of the cost of the vest and badge will go to the student assistance fund, to help with school supplies, field trips, clothing, etc.

In addition to the winning class of Mr. Voss's fifth-grade homeroom, second place was Mrs. Grissom's eighth-grade homeroom. Third place was Mrs. Woods' fourth-grade homeroom. Together, the three classes raised more than $400.