Estimated read time: 1-2 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
OREM — Cancer took the life of a beloved Orem police K-9, and budget cuts may prevent officers from getting a new one. They're asking the public for help.
"Rudy," a Belgian Malinois, was like family to the force. In his seven years, Rudy helped seize thousands of dollars' worth of illegal drugs and dozens of violent criminals, and won K-9 competitions. He also was well known for participating in community and school presentations.
According to a news release from the Orem Police Department, "(Rudy) was always very excited to come to work and seemed to love scaring officers by remaining quiet in the patrol car and then barking at them as they walked past the window."
Sgt. Craig Martinez says K-9s play vital roles in police work and public safety. "They're always involved in drug cases, criminal apprehension cases and they're all on the SWAT team with their handlers. They do a lot of work around here."
- By mail or in person:
City of Orem K9 Unit
Orem Police Department
95 East Center St.
Orem, UT 84057Orem Administrative Services
56 North State St.
Orem, UT 84057 - Online
www.orem.org/k9donation
Police need $11,000 to replace Rudy, but because his illness was sudden and unexpected, there is no money in the city budget for that this year. Therefore, police hope people will give generously.
K-9s often are trained in Europe and brought back to the U.S. "They obviously can smell better, and a lot of times they can search a house better than officers can," Martinez said. "They can search places that we can't, and get up in places that we can't."
Orem police say police dogs are highly trained and have exceptional temperaments.
