“Thanks again for your interest in making the K-9 Training Facility a success. From the lists above and the success stories attached, I think the data shows how our K-9 unit serves the region – especially the DeKalb-Fulton-Gwinnett service area in which the Atlanta Retailers Foundation is looking to make an impact.” -Kimberly L. Greer, PMP Assistant City Manager, City of Johns Creek.
The Atlanta Retailers Association (ARA), an alliance of Ismaili convenience store members, has been given the right to name the new K-9 training facility in a 133-acre park in the City of Johns Creek, for its contribution of $10,000 towards its completion.
The ARA K-9 Training Facility will be used by all K-9 units across metro Atlanta, not just Johns Creek Police Department (JCPD) officers. Prior to the facility’s establishment, JCPD police dogs were trained on private property offered by community volunteers. Amenities at the new facility include 12 workable training obstacles and a 20,000 square-foot fenced area.
The JCPD K-9 unit plays a key role in not only getting narcotics and other drugs off the street but also finding missing persons, young and old. The new facility will also provide a training ground for apprehending criminal suspects, sniffing out drugs and explosives, and tracking criminals or missing persons.
Officer W. Goins, who is in charge of the K-9 unit for JCPD, called the new facility a “godsend.” Sandra Hidell, Project lead, remarked that "supporting the K-9 unit and improving their ability to train in their own facility will help keep the community safe."
The contribution towards this facility continues to strengthen the rapidly growing relationship and presence of Ismailis in the metro Atlanta area, and specifically Johns Creek, where many of Ismailis live, work, own businesses, and attend some of the state’s top-rated schools. In addition, the Ismaili community here also actively participates in civic engagement events and sits on some of its boards.
Shafiq Jadavji, a Johns Creek resident, served as an advisor to a community group that researched which initiatives were needed to help the city in the long term; they concluded it was a K-9 training facility, and they organized the fundraising drive as well.
Previously, the ARA trustees collaborated in community projects with local government and non-government agencies to restore and improve parks, build inter-faith prayer gardens, and to support clinics that provide medical care to refugees.
Established more than 21 years ago, ARA is one of the largest trade associations in the United States with over 600 members who own more than 1,000 gas stations and convenience stores collectively, in Georgia. The latest collaboration with the City of Johns Creek is an extension of ARA and its members’ commitment to contribute positively to the communities where they live and work.
