October 29, 2015. Conservation Officer Robert Mancini and K-9 Ruger recently received a $5,000 donation from Matt Kelly of TransCanada Corporation to support the K-9 Unit of NH Fish and Game.
NH Fish and Game’s K-9 unit consists of three teams that respond to over 125 calls each year. They conduct search and rescue missions to find lost people, as well as finding people suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. They are also called upon to locate spent shell casings at the scene of wildlife crimes, locate illegally taken fish and wildlife, track suspects, and locate evidence in criminal cases for other law enforcement agencies.
While the Canine Unit officers are Fish and Game employees, the costs of care and equipment of the dogs are not supported by the state budget, so all costs must come from private donations. Colonel Kevin Jordan, Chief of the Law Enforcement Division, said “We are very grateful for the generous donation of TransCanada Corporation that will ensure that K-9s Sig, Ruger and Ruby will continue to be equipped with the necessary safety equipment and care while they continually patrol our state”.
TransCanada operates hydroelectric facilities on the Connecticut River and Deerfield River consisting of hydroelectric stations and associated storage reservoirs and dams in NH, VT and MA. The company and their employees are active participants in both public and private civic activities in the 53 communities along the rivers. The company owns 30,000 acres associated with their facilities, and the lands are open to the public and are managed to ensure safe public access and recreational uses of hiking, fishing, hunting, cross country skiing, and snowmobiling. They also own and maintain 20 boat launches along the rivers. TransCanada recently achieved Low Impact Hydropower Institute (LIGI) certification to assure that all facilities have avoided or reduced environmental impact.