gmhTODAY 08 gmhToday May June 2016 | Page 33

Gilroy Foundation Gives…$1,070,595 THE GILROY FOUNDATION AWARDED $418,595 in grants to 66 recipients which includes community groups, schools and projects.  The event was held at Old City Hall where more than 100 supporters attended.  Some highlights of the evening were the $20K Julie Hayes “Rising Star” Performing Arts Grant, awarded to the Gilroy Arts Alliance to improve the Gilroy Center for the Arts building in downtown; the $20K Richard Hayes “Like a Rock” Industrial Arts Grant, awarded to Rebekah’s Culinary Academy to implement “technology” into their highly regarded culinary program.  Seventy-nine students are receiving scholarships totaling $652,000 at our various Senior Award Ceremonies this year. Meet South Santa Clara Valley’s Furry Police Officers THE GILROY POLICE FOUNDATION recently funded the purchase of “Scotty,” the newest member to the Gilroy Police Department family. He’s a 14 month old immigrant from the Czech Republic. Scotty and Officer Bobby Zuniga recently completed and passed the month long training together. Funding was provided by a generous donation to the Foundation from a local community supporter. THE MORGAN HILL POLICE DEPARTMENT’S (furriest) officer – K9 Officer Basco! Basco is a one-year old German Shepard born in the city of Usti Nad Orlici in the Czech Republic. Basco recently joined the Morgan Hill Police Department (MHPD) and completed extensive training with his officer/handler, Officer Santiago Fierro. Canine officers are trained to patrol and search buildings and track and apprehend suspects. They also learn to come to aid of their handler, should he need help or protection. Having a K9 officer on the patrol team brings additional skills that officers can use effectively in the field. For example, a K9 Officer can search small spaces and use his keen senses to locate someone where other officers can’t.” They have proven to be valuable assets for police departments. GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN MAY/JUNE 2016 gmhtoday.com 33