Wednesday, February 13, 2019 marked the finale of the month-long community service fundraising project spearheaded by the Byron-Bergen Elementary School Student Council. The entire student body assembled to present the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department with a check for $1,762.04. 

The community service project, Dollars for Destro, raised funds for the training and care of the Genesee County Sheriff Department’s new K-9 officer, Deputy Frankie. The county’s previous K-9 officer, Destro, passed away recently. Destro was a visible member of the Byron-Bergen community and many students were very fond of him. 

“The students were upset when Destro passed away,” said Byron-Bergen Elementary School Assistant Principal Betsy Brown. “I’m so proud that they were able to take that sadness and turn it into a positive experience and begin building a new relationship with Frankie.”

Every year the Elementary School Student Council takes on a community service project. “It was a no-brainer that we wanted to help the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office raise money for a new dog,” said Student Council President Roman Smith. “Frankie is a great addition and we are his number one fans.”

The original goal was for every grade level to raise $100. Every grade surpassed this goal and the third graders earned a pizza party with Frankie by raising more than three times their original goal.