Today we’d like to introduce you to Gina Lawrence
Hi Gina , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I have always had a strong respect for law enforcement as my dad and brother were police officers for a majority of my life. When I moved to AZ I got involved in a LE support group and from there was approached by a K9 officer asking me if I would consider doing a fundraiser for their K-9 unit….that was a huge success so I decided to start a non profit organization that would help all AZ Law enforcement K9 programs. K-9 Kaos AZ is named after and in honor of a retired Glendale AZ police K9 (Kaos). He was in service with Glendale PD from 2008-2015.
K-9 Kaos AZ has successfully helped 10 agencies specifically, and counting. We have also recently branched out with a division in Montana, K-9 Kaos MT. One of our board members and former K9 officers from Wickenburg AZ relocated to Helena MT and has decided to grow our organization out there to help Montana law enforcement K9 programs as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We are very fortunate to have had a pretty great reputation and build some strong relationships during our journey with our non profit. There are struggles along the way dealing with government and all the “red tape” we sometimes will run into in order to get things done or with moving as quickly as possible to ensure the K9 programs get what they need.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As stated in previous page we are a 501(c)3 non profit organization that helps fund law enforcement K9 programs in the state of AZ and now MT. We strive to do our best at helping when and where help is needed. We have had many fundraising events to raise funds including, car shows, K9 demo expos, and joining as a vendor at other large events to get the word out about who we are. We also have had some generous donors come through making large donations to the organization to help fund dogs, equipment, training, housing etc. We are run by an amazing board made up of myself, CEO/President, a COO who is a sheriff deputy K9 handler, a Vice President who is a former K9 handler in the US Airforce and a trustee whom is also a sheriff deputy K9 handler.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://K9kaosaz.com
- Instagram: K-9 Kaos AZ
- Facebook: K-9 Kaos AZ
- Other: K9kaosaz@gmail.com
