RTI saves RPD thousands on K-9 carrier project

Rolla Technical Institute’s Automotive Collision Repair class recently teamed up with the Rolla Police Department to construct a custom-made patrol service K-9 carrier for Corporal Josh Campbell’s new 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe that houses his K-9 Dutch Sheppard, Ziggy. 

The project was a win-win for the collision repair students who gained valuable knowledge and expertise, and for the Rolla Police Department and City of Rolla which saved thousands on the project. The custom construction allows for an additional passenger to ride in the back seat of the Tahoe, and provides extra storage space.

(Pictured left: Students from the Rolla Technical Institute’s Automotive Collision Repair class spent over 60 hours designing, constructing and installing a custom-made patrol service K-9 carrier for Rolla Police Department Corporal Josh Campbell’s 2012 Chevrolet Tahoe that houses his K-9 Dutch Sheppard, Ziggy. Also pictured are Michael Hofstetter, RTI Collision Repair Instructor (far left, front row) and Ed Sederburg, Collision Repair Instructor at RTI (2nd from right, front row).

The cost of constructing and installing the carrier was about $650. If the RPD had the work done by a traditional vendor it would have cost the department about  $4,000. In addition a Rhino Liner that coats the K-9 carrier and protects Ziggy from abrasive materials was generously donated by Extreme Accessories located at 2409 N. Bishop Avenue in Rolla.

“The Rolla Police Department is very appreciative of all the time, work and expertise the students from RTI and their instructors devoted to this important project,” said Corporal Campbell. “And we also appreciate the generous donation of the Rhino Liner from Dave Watkins and Matt McCormick, co-owners of Extreme Accessories.

Corporal Campbell said it was especially satisfying to see the students at RTI have the opportunity to participate in a project that benefits the RPD, Rolla citizens and the RTI Automotive Collision Repair class.

RTI Collision Repair Instructor Mike Hofstetter, who oversaw the project with Ed Sederburg, also a Collision Repair Instructor at RTI, said the project provided his students an opportunity to work with the Rolla Police Department. He added that the K-9 carrier was designed and built from a rough drawing and that the students gained additional riveting construction skills that are required when building aircraft.