SLTPD K9 program benefits from donation

Officer Scott Crevelli and Rici are partners on the South Lake Tahoe Police Department. Photo/Tracy Franklin

Lisa Maloff paid for Rici, SLTPD’s newest dog, along with Officer Scott Crevelli to be trained as his handler. Photo/Tracy Franklin

Lisa Maloff knows what it is like to have a police K9 stop a suspect in his tracks.

The South Lake Tahoe resident on Tuesday talked about her experience with a would-be robber who was apprehended with the help of a police dog. She was at the Aug. 18 City Council meeting to be recognized for the contribution she made to the local police department.

Her donation paid for Ricci, a 22-month-old Belgian Malinois, to join the department. The contribution also covers the cost of the dog’s training, a new K9 vehicle, veterinary bills, food, maintenance and continued K9 handler training for a year. Officer Scott Crevelli is Ricci’s handler.

“The K9 program saves lives. I’m so glad our program is healthy,” Mayor Hal Cole said.

Maloff was able see how her money was spent during a demonstration at the airport. Officers set up a scenario where the police dogs had to find a “suspect”.

Also at the meeting, Maloff presented the South Lake Tahoe Police Canine Association with a check for $25,000 to buy a bulletproof vest and jacket for Ricci.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report