CRANDON, Wisconsin (September 29, 2020) As has been the case since its inception, Crandon International Raceway has operated as a not-for-profit club that has donated millions of dollars back into the local community of Crandon and the Forest County that surrounds the track.
This important 51-year-old tradition continued this year as Crandon International Raceway and Jamey Flannery Trucking combined to support local law enforcement at the 2020 Forest County Potawatomi Brush Run event held last weekend. During opening ceremonies before the Pro category season finals track officials announced the donation of two new drug enforcement K9s to the Forest County Sheriff’s Department.
GESTURE OF GOOD WILL: Crandon International Promoter Marty Fiolka (left) and Forest County Deputy Sheriff DJ Wilson exchange a warm handshake after Sunday afternoon’s announcement held on the track’s legendary podium. (Photo: HighRev)
The donation was inspired by the recent and unexpected loss of two K9 dogs serving the Sheriff’s Department. In a statement made before the race weekend, the department said,” It is with deep sadness that we share with you the loss of Forest County Sheriff’s Department K9 Leroy. During his two years of service with the Forest County Sheriff’s Office, he was involved in hundreds of narcotics searches and seizures throughout Northeast Wisconsin. K9 Leroy was an invaluable tool in the tracking of wanted subjects and the fight against illicit drugs in the Northwoods.”
After more than eight years of service the department’s second K9, this one named “Mek,” is officially retiring on October 15th.
“This donations made by the Board of Directors at Crandon International Raceway and Jamey Flannery Trucking are so very much appreciated,” explained Forest County Sheriff John Denney. “Without these type of donations programs like the K9 units wouldn’t exist. These dogs are instrumental in fighting the drug and opioid epidemic that has been in our local area for a long time.”
The German Shepards used by the department are highly training dogs that cost around $18,000 each according to Denney.
CRIME FIGHTERS: Forest County Deputy Sheriff DJ Wilson and his K9 Leroy spent two years in local drug enforcement before the dog’s recent passing. The highly trained members of the Sheriff’s department are essential for this type of law enforcement activity.
Originally set for Father’s Day weekend in June, the rescheduled 27th annual Forest County Potawatomi Crandon Brush Run took place at the “Big House” on September 25th – 27th. The weekend featured Saturday’s historic first night race at Crandon International, as well as Kyle Kleiman’s dominating victory in the 27th Forest County Potawatomi Community Cup race finale.
“This facility and our history are built on the contributions of so many people in the past 51 years,” explained Crandon President Cliff Flannery. “With the help of Jamey Flannery we were able to provide our Sheriff’s Department with a contribution that will help this community for years. Giving back is a big part of our mission at Crandon International, and keeping that tradition alive in 2020 is a great feeling for all of us.”
Admission tickets, camping and grandstand reservations for the 2021 season will go on sale at 12:00 noon (CST) on Friday, January 1st. More information on the track and its upcoming events are available by visiting www.crandonoffroad.com.