Gavin Johnson, owner of Big Sky Plumbing located in Payson, recently went on a eight hour ride–along with Officer Mike Wall of the Santaquin Police Department.

During that experience, Mr. Johnson learned about traffic stops, when cars are able to be searched, and why they weren’t allowed to search certain cars. It was frustrating that despite the likelihood that the drivers were under the influence of drugs and had them in the car, the officers couldn’t search the car.

Officer Wall described to Gavin how the K9 unit for Santaquin recently retired and how getting a new one was expensive. The dog itself is nearly $10k to obtain.

Soon thereafter, Mr. Johnson contacted the Santaquin Police Force and generously donated the requisite funds to purchase a K9 unit.

Officer Austin Lerwill is the new K9 handler for the City. His new dog is a nearly two-year-old golden retriever named Andy.

Gavin was recognized by the PD at the City Council meeting on Fed 2nd.