After a fire almost destroyed Multi-Wing America Inc.’s Burton Township headquarters in 2011, Geauga County Sheriff’s Office deputies were there to provide security while the owners rebuilt.
Then, several years ago, a workplace drug problem surfaced at Multi-Wing, which specializes in designing custom engine cooling fans, radiator fans, HVAC fans and refrigeration fans, and the owners needed to respond.
“We needed to show something, that we were one, concerned about it, and two, that we were going to do something about it,” company President Jim Crowley said.
Multi-Wing called the sheriff’s office to request a K-9 team perform drug sweeps as a proactive, cost-effective tool to establish and maintain a drug-free work environment.
“That’s when we got to know the dogs and they did a real nice job,” Crowley said. “So, we started thinking about how we could support the sheriff’s department.”
Multi-Wing had some money to donate last year and wanted to support the entire department, but was told the sheriff’s office could not accept donations. It could, however, accept donations for its K-9 unit.
“So, we did that and were pleased with the way it came out,” Crowley said. “This year, we had a little more money to give and we wrote a check for these guys again.”
Last month, Sheriff Scott Hildenbrand presented a plaque to Multi-Wing in appreciation for its support of the K-9 program during a Feb. 27 ceremony at the company’s Burton facility.
“You obviously appreciated what the dogs can do for everybody in the county and we thank you,” Hildenbrand said.
The sheriff’s office K-9 unit comprises four German Shepherds and their handlers.
“Imagine, they’re kind of expensive,” he said, referring to Argo, Rotar, Spirit and Miner. “Not only do you have the handlers’ time, but the cars are specially equipped, they have specialty equipment on their belts, plus you have to keep them in tip-top shape as far as going to the vet, having good food to eat and that’s what this money pays for,” explained Hildenbrand.
The sheriff also emphasized it is important to have working relationships with local businesses and it is the employees that make those relationships work.
“I’m not out here watching your building at night, but we’ve got a great group of employees that make this business relationship work and it’s nice to get some appreciation for that and your donation certainly speaks volumes,” Hildenbrand said.
He added, “We didn’t ask for anything, we were just doing our job, and Multi-Wing America became multi-year donation to our K-9 program and it’s really appreciated.”
Hildenbrand, who also is the fire chief in Hambden Township, noted he helped battle the 2011 fire and saw the full-page advertisement the company placed in a newspaper, thanking the 25 fire departments that came to the rescue.
“Every fire department that responded had that hanging up in their station and really appreciated that, that you guys recognized the good work that we did,” he said.
Crowley added, “Geauga County is still pretty rural and we depend on people like the sheriff’s department to provide protection and safety, as well as the volunteer fire departments, I mean, those guys are heroes.
“We’re blessed in Geauga County to have a sheriff’s department that is very professional and that is why we want to support them.”
Multi-Wing, which has called Geauga County home since 1974, employs roughly 65 people in Burton, eight in a Solon sales office, as well as two people in Mexico.
