Vancouver police, fire departments get money from trust

A local couple’s charitable trust gave $16,000 each to the Vancouver Fire Department and the Vancouver Police Department’s K-9 unit.

The money comes from the Anna and Walter Hammon Charitable Trust. The Hammons, both deceased, were longtime Vancouver residents.

Anna loved dogs, so she wanted some money from her trust to support police dogs, according to the Vancouver Police Department.

“The Vancouver Police Department’s primary mission is to prevent and reduce crime. To this end, our K-9 unit is an essential element,” said Chief James McElvain in a press release. “This donation will be used to fund training and equipment needs for the K-9s and their handlers. We truly appreciate all the support the community provides to our department.”

The fire department earmarked the $16,000 it received for the marine program, which responds to emergencies on the Columbia River.

“(Anna’s) desire for the fire department was that her money would be used in an established safety program, or more importantly, to support a new program within the fire department. As it turned out, we were in the midst of establishing support for our marine program,” said Chief Joe Molina.

The Hammon Charitable Trust is administered by the Rotary Club of Ellensburg.