Amador County – Ione Police Department and civic supporters are planning a “Spectacular Seafood Buffet Dinner” to raise money to support the city’s K9 officer.

Sharon Long released details of the fundraiser Wednesday, saying that “with public safety a priority for any city, a group of volunteers are planning a fundraiser on Saturday, April 14 to ensure the continuation of the K9 program in Ione.”

Long said the goal is to raise $10,000 or more. The event will be held at Evalynn Bishop Hall in Ione and features a “fabulous sea food buffet” that will include, shrimp cocktail, green salad, baked salmon, pan fried calamari, scampi, oysters, steamed clams, scallops, pasta, cole slaw and garlic bread. The 2012 Mother Lode League Champion Argonaut High School football team will be on hand to assist Chef Doug Hawkins with service.

Ione Police Chief Mike Johnson has invited all K9 units from throughout Amador County to the dinner, and Ione PD Officer Josh Long along with K9, “Pras” will demonstrate their capabilities.

Both Officer Long and Pras have more than proven the value of this program. Johnson said since joining forces as a team in 2011, Officer Lond and Pras “have successfully located and captured felons, assisted in controlling potentially violent parolees, located suspect evidence and aided in the search of fleeing felons.”

Ione municipal budgets have been reduced and have caused a shortfall in all city departments, which have resulted in major cuts in spending. Sharon Long said “this is an effort to maintain this valuable public safety program in Ione.”

Doors open at 6 p.m. with a no-host bar and dinner is served at 7 p.m. There will also be a silent auction, raffle and door prize. Cost is $35 per person, and tickets are available at Clark’s Corner in Ione and at Ione City Hall or by calling (209) 274-2777.

Long said donations of any amount are tax deductible through the Amador Community Foundation.

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