Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Nearly 20,000 was raised through the K-9 Choper Memorial Tournament. In the photo are, from left, Conewango Township K-9 Officer Scott Neiswonger with K-9 Nic, Linda Neiswonger, Dan Passmore, Karen Sobkowski, Bill Vargo, Dana Kibbey and Warren County Chief Detective Tom Kibbey with K-9 Dina.

Nearly $20,000 was raised to support K-9 efforts in Warren County as a result of the K-9 Choper Memorial Tournament.

The tournament was held last month at Blueberry Hill Golf Course.

Conewango Township K-9 Officer Scott Neiswonger said he’s thankful for “the continued support in the community.”

The tournament aims to support the two K-9 officers in Warren County — Neiswonger and K-9 Nic and Chief County Detective Tom Kibbey and K-9 Dina with training needs as well as the expenses that come with operating a K-9.

That “takes a lot of work,” Neiswonger said. “(We) have huge support in the community. This is the only fundraiser we have all year.”

The tournament is also a memorial to K-9 Choper, who was part of the Conewango Township Police force for three years until his death in June 2018.

Neiswonger also thanked the businesses and individuals who supported the tournament, donating baskets, etc.

“I’m always very humbled when the end-of-year money comes in,” he said. “(It’s) been a huge success.”