Dear Chief Norris and members of the Menlo Park City Council,
It has recently come to my attention that you have made a decision to retire K9 Duke early because he “will be a distraction.” Is this quote or general sentiment an accurate one? I sincerely hope not and I’m trying to give the benefit of the doubt before going public on my social media accounts in support of Duke and his handler. I can tell you first hand that even during my 11 year police career, Duke’s baseball style card was carried with me and in my lockers as a reminder of the kind of men and women and service dogs that are out there every day putting in the work to make their communities a safer place for all. That’s why it would be extremely shocking and disheartening to know that a Chief of Police would force a dog into retirement for non performance issues.
In a cultural climate with way too many chiefs bowing to political pressure of perception (which we all know isn’t to be equated with reality) and worrying more about optics than the actual mission of the police department I sure hope you don’t want to claim to be among them. Too many chiefs forget that they aren’t there to please politicians and pundits, they are there to protect their communities in every way possible and stay focused on that mission no matter what it costs them in their career.
To the members of City Council, you have been entrusted to represent the best interest of the people. What do the people of your community say about this? Has their been an opportunity for them to express their desire to see Duke or other K9s be present in their community? If not, I would certainly hope you create that opportunity in all fairness to be accurate in your representation.
I understand that I am not a citizen of Menlo Park and I understand I’m not even in your surrounding area. However, I also understand the value of the work Duke has done of the years not only on your streets but across the internet to both encourage cops and to educate non-cops in engaging ways that have made a true difference.
If you’d be so kind as to let me know where you stand on this I’d appreciate it. Chief Norris I truly hope that you are a man of character who isn’t making this decision to please the naysayers and to the members of City Council I truly hope you stand up for what the people want and not whatever helps get you elected next time.
Respectfully,
Mike the Cop
www.facebook.com/realmikethecop
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