Event to raise funds for K-9 program

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Supporters of Cloverdale Police Chief Charlie Hallam and his retired K-9 Alec are hoping a retirement party for the dog help ensure that future police canines can serve the Cloverdale area.

The celebration, which will take place from 10 a.m-2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Twin Ponds Activity Center, just north of the Stardust Hills entrance, is aimed at both recognizing the work of the police dog did for the community and raising money and awareness for a new fund to support the continuation of the canine officer program in the town, said Danita Slatton, on of the event's organizers.

The event will offer activities and food for all ages, according to a media release.

Alec, with his handler Hallam, logged 15,000 hours of active duty between September 1999 and May 31, when the police chief retired him.

Tempers in Cloverdale flared last month after Town Council President Don Sublett suggested adopting the retired canine out to a local family at the Aug. 14 board meeting.

Hallam said this move incensed him. Also a matter of dispute was whether the town was responsible for paying for the food and medical expenses of the animal.

The issue came to a head at an Aug. 28 special budget meeting and the council finally voted to allow Hallam to keep Alec, though the police chief would assume all financial responsibility for his care.

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