ATASCADERO –Friday at 7:00 am, the Atascadero Police Department’s K-9 Unit received a very unexpected and generous holiday donation! The owners of two businesses in town, Glenn’s Repair and the Grocery Outlet, arranged for a check presentation ceremony to take place in front of the Atascadero Police Department.

Geoff and Kate Auslen, the owners of Glenn’s Repair, together with Theresa and Pete Novak, who are the owners of Grocery Outlet of Atascadero, reached out to the APD and graciously coordinated efforts to present the K-9’s with a check for $5,000. Due to the cancellation of the Annual K-9 Wine & Dine Dinner this year, the donors wanted to find a way to continue support of the K-9’s. The City of Atascadero and the APD are extremely thankful for both Glenn’s Repair and Grocery Outlet for assisting the K-9 Program with this donation.

According to Mr. Auslen, “It’s the least we can do during such a difficult time for our community, and the money will assist a local program that will continue to keep our neighborhoods safe.” Glenn’s Repair has been an active member of our community for over 52 years, with recent involvement as a part of Parents for Joy, a non-profit parent group under the United Cerebral Palsy of San Luis Obispo County, which recently opened the all-inclusive Joy Playground in Atascadero.

Pete Novak and Theresa Hughes have also been major supporters of Atascadero’s community and equally, share in helping to keep the community safe and investing in the K-9 Program. Grocery Outlet has been a part of the community for the past eight years. Novak and Hughes bring extensive expertise in the industry to the City, with over 40 years in the grocery business!

The primary objective of the APD K-9 Unit is to reduce hazard exposure to uniformed patrol officers as they carry out their public safety mission. Sergeant John Taylor oversees the Atascadero K-9 Unit. Currently, it has two officer handlers, Corporal Chris Hester and Corporal Chris Hall, who serve together with their respective service dogs, Pit, and Luke.