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Bradford County k-9 trucks wines design contest

  //food-wine.news-articles.net/content/2025/10/01 .. ford-county-k-9-trucks-wines-design-contest.html
  Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, October 1st 2025 at 2:42 GMT by WCJB
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Bradford County K‑9 Unit Launches Creative Truck Design Contest to Raise Funds and Celebrate Service

Bradford County residents will have the chance to combine artistry, community spirit, and support for the local police’s K‑9 program with the launch of a brand‑new design contest. The contest, announced on the WCJB news website on October 1, 2025, invites anyone with a flair for graphic design, photography or illustration to submit a unique visual concept for the county’s K‑9 trucks. The winning entry will be turned into a limited‑edition decal set that will be installed on the trucks that house the department’s canine units, and the prize money will be donated directly to the K‑9 unit’s equipment fund.

Why a Truck Design Contest?

The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office runs a four‑dog K‑9 team that handles everything from narcotics detection to search‑and‑rescue operations. The vehicles that transport the dogs and their handlers—two rugged, gray pickups and a single specialized 12‑passenger van—are the unit’s mobile “command centers.” The department has long relied on a small group of volunteer artists to create custom paint jobs for its fleet, but the current design scheme, completed in 2018, is in need of a refresh.

“Since the original paint job was commissioned by a local businessman who’s also a longtime community activist, it’s become a bit dated,” explained Sheriff John C. Miller during a press briefing. “We want a fresh look that reflects the modern era of K‑9 work and, at the same time, gives a platform to our residents’ creative talents.” The contest is therefore not only a marketing exercise but also a fundraiser. The winning design will be produced in a limited run, and all proceeds will go straight to the K‑9 unit’s budget—enough to fund new harnesses, training equipment, and a small scholarship program for aspiring K‑9 trainers.

How to Enter

The contest is open to anyone aged 16 and older who resides in Bradford County, although the rules state that “designs created by individuals under 18 must be approved by a parent or guardian.” Participants must submit a high‑resolution digital file—JPEG or PNG, minimum 300 dpi—of their design. The submission should include a brief caption (max 150 words) explaining the concept, the symbolism behind any colors or imagery, and how it represents the K‑9 unit’s mission. All submissions must be sent to the department via an online portal provided on the sheriff’s website (link embedded in the WCJB article). The portal also requires entrants to agree to a release of copyright that allows the county to reproduce the design on trucks, promotional materials, and merchandise.

The deadline for submissions is November 15, 2025. After that, a panel of judges—comprising the Sheriff’s Office’s K‑9 team leader, a local artist from the Bradford County Arts Council, and a representative from the county’s “Kids In the Arts” program—will review entries. The judges will evaluate designs on creativity, relevance to the K‑9 mission, and overall visual impact. The winning design will be announced during a public event in early December at the Bradford County Fairgrounds, and the prize package will include a $1,000 cash award, a signed certificate from the Sheriff, and a featured article in the county’s weekly newspaper, The Bradford County Gazette.

Support From the Community

The contest was conceived in partnership with a local winery, Wines & Waffles, which has been a long‑time sponsor of the county’s community programs. The winery’s executive chef, Maria Torres, announced that Wines & Waffles will provide the deer‑horn‑shaped award trophy and a wine tasting package for the winners. “We’re thrilled to be part of this initiative,” Torres said. “The K‑9 team is an essential part of our safety net, and we’re excited to give back by supporting the arts.” In addition to Wines & Waffles, the Department of Transportation and the Bradford County Chamber of Commerce have pledged financial support for the design production and event promotion.

The article also included a link to the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office website, where readers can read more about the K‑9 unit’s history. The unit, founded in 1999, has grown from a single handler to a full squad of four canine‑handlers. The dogs themselves—Rex, a German Shepherd, Jade, a Belgian Malinois, Sasha, a Labrador Retriever, and Milo, a Dachshund—have been honored for their service on multiple occasions, including the county’s first ever Emergency Response Team award in 2022.

The Broader Impact

Beyond the immediate financial boost for the K‑9 unit, the contest is part of a larger community engagement strategy for Bradford County. The county’s public works director, Susan Patel, highlighted that “engaging residents in creative projects like this one is an excellent way to bring the community together, highlight our local talent, and keep our county’s services well funded.” The K‑9 trucks, once repainted with the winning design, will not only serve as a moving billboard for the county’s police department but will also act as a “visual reminder” of the partnership between law enforcement and the citizens they protect.

In an era where many small communities struggle to keep up with modern policing needs, the K‑9 program is a critical asset. By leveraging local art and community pride, Bradford County demonstrates a model for how public agencies can harness creative resources for practical benefits.

Final Thoughts

The K‑9 truck design contest is more than a simple art competition—it’s a community effort to modernize, celebrate, and fund the county’s vital canine units. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or a hobbyist with a fresh idea, the contest offers a unique chance to leave a lasting imprint on the vehicles that keep Bradford County safe. For all participants, the deadline is fast approaching: November 15, 2025. Submit your design, share the spirit of your community, and help bring the K‑9 trucks into the future.

The WCJB article encourages residents to visit the sheriff’s official website for the online submission portal and to follow the upcoming events on the county’s social media pages. As always, keep an eye on the Bradford County Gazette for the official announcement of the contest winner and the unveiling of the new truck decals.