Bills Pile Up for Reading Police K-9

Reading, Pa. (WTXF)-A hardworking K-9 officer in Reading is in pretty bad shape. He took a nasty fall while on duty this past Friday and has been at the vet since the accident.

A fundraiser is being held because as FOX 29's Brad Sattin reports insurance doesn't cover costs when the injured officer is a K-9.

3-year-old Trooper reported for duty on a Tuesday night with his handler Officer Joshua Faust. Just last year, Trooper graduated from the K-9 unit with 3-year-old Cody. Sadly, Cody didn't report for duty since he was seriously injured on Friday night.

Cody, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, and his trainer officer John Hutchinson are together day and night. It was a routine call Friday to Southwest Middle School. A door was found unlocked, possibly intruders, Cody was walking on an elevated platform near some steps. According to police, Cody fell over, off the stairwell, about 5-20 feet down to the concrete floor below. Cody was in bad shape, bleeding internally and medevaced to Penn Vet at the University of Pennsylvania. He was listed in critical condition when he got down to Penn.

Cody was one of three dogs that joined the department last year, funded by the non profit group, Friends of the Reading Police K-9 Unit. They raised about $8,000 to get Cody, and now, his medical bills are stacking up.

The Berks County Community Foundation manages the fundraising. But his care and the costs will continue. FOX 29 couldn't visit Cody Tuesday night, but we hear he's already starting to move around, with what we're sure is his favorite new collar.

Visitors aren't allowed quite yet; however, the Reading Police Department is confident he will get better and maybe even return to duty soon. His medical bills continue to grow. If you'd like to make a donation, please click here.