TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: A Resolution of the City Commission of the City of North Port, Florida, Accepting the Donation of the Ace K-9 Temperature Alarm Deployment System From the Retired Law Enforcement Association of Southwest Florida, Inc.; Acknowledging That the North Port Police Department Will be Responsible for the Installation of the Equipment; Providing for the City’s Acceptance of the Donated Equipment; Providing for Incorporation of the Exhibits; Providing for Incorporation of Recitals; Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute all Required Documents; Providing for Conflicts; Providing for Severability; and Providing an Effective Date.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-26 as presented.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve Resolution No. 2026-R-26 as presented.
• Pros: Enhances K-9 safety through donated equipment to help ensure the North Port Police Department vehicles are outfitted with the proper safety equipment to protect our K-9’s in the extreme Florida heat.
• Cons: After the first free year, there will be an annual recurring cost of $168.00 to renew the real-time monitoring subscription services.
Option 2: Deny Resolution No. 2026-R-26 as presented.
• Pros: Avoids potential future financial obligations related to ongoing equipment costs.
• Cons: The AceK9 WatchDog Temperature Alarm Deployment System would need to be purchased and installed using budgeted funds and would require City-funded alternatives or loss of K-9 operational and safety benefits.
Background Information
The North Port Police Department utilizes K-9 units to support law enforcement operations. The Retired Law Enforcement Association of Southwest Florida, Inc., raises funds to support active law enforcement K-9 units by providing safety equipment and training tools. To enhance K-9 safety during vehicle deployments, the organization has offered to donate one AceK9 WatchDog Temperature Alarm Deployment System to the North Port Police Department’s K-9 Unit. The AceK9 system provides an added layer of protection for police service dogs by monitoring vehicle temperatures and automatically activating safety measures if dangerous conditions occur.
If the internal temperature of a Police K-9 vehicle reaches a dangerous level, the system alerts two pre-determined Officers via cell phone that there is a problem, activates emergency lights, and broadcasts a PA announcement indicating that the K-9 is in danger to gain the attention of anyone nearby. The system also automatically rolls the vehicle windows down and activates a fan for ventilation. This equipment is critical in helping ensure the safety of Police K-9s in the event of a mechanical malfunction, such as a failure of the vehicle’s air conditioning system.
Resolution No. 2026-R-26 has been reviewed by the City Attorney and it is legally correct to form.
Resolution No. 2026-R-26 was provided to the City Clerk’s Office on April 2, 2026, for signature, subject to City Commission Approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
Funding will be used from the Fiscal Year 2026 Police Department budget, account number 001-2100-521.54-00.
Ø Heat Alarm Subscriptions: $168.00 annually. Note: Year one is free.
Procurement
Procurement Code, policies and procedures will be followed when purchases are made.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2026-R-26
2. Exhibit A
3. Exhibit B
Prepared by: Jamie Ebershoff, Executive Assistant
Tony Donohew, Special Operations Bureau Sergeant
Department Director: Todd R. Garrison, Chief of Police