Officer Quinton Gleason smiles as Sam, Tucson's new K-9 officer, takes a bite of his new protection vest, held by Police Chief Richard Miranda.

benjie sanders / Arizona Daily Star

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Tucson police dog Miko's death in May touched the hearts of animal lovers, law enforcement agencies and Tucson residents.

It also moved employees at a Midtown Wal-Mart store, who began a campaign to raise more than $10,000 to purchase the newest addition to the K-9 unit.

Sam, a 2-year-old German shepherd from Czechoslovakia, made his public debut Thursday during a ceremony in which he was given a bulletproof vest, a bed, a one-year supply of food, a basket full of dog treats and a plaque of appreciation.

The donation is a combination of grants and fundraisers from Wal-Mart stores in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Douglas and Nogales, said Rick Velasco, district manager for Southern Arizona Wal-Mart stores.

Employees at the Wal-Mart Neighborhood Market at 3925 E. Grant Road came up with the idea to raise money to purchase a new dog after the death of 4-year-old Miko.

On May 27, Miko was chasing a carjacking suspect when the man jumped from an overpass at Kino and Aviation parkways.

Miko followed the man, who was able to get away, but the dog took a 30-foot fall, breaking his back, shattering a leg and suffering neurological damage. Several hours later, he was euthanized.

The suspect, who has been identified as Ernesto Imperial-Ramos, 36, has not been caught, said Sgt. Decio Hopffer, a Tucson Police Department spokesman. Imperial-Ramos is wanted on charges of criminal damage and animal cruelty.

Because the store got to know Miko while sponsoring the K-9 Trials, the employees wanted to give back, Velasco said.

"I can't thank Wal-Mart enough for assisting the Tucson Police Department in terms of making Tucson a better and safer place to live," said Police Chief Richard Miranda.

Added Mayor Bob Walkup, "These K-9s save lives and it is wonderful that Wal-Mart is contributing to that."

Miko's handler, Officer Gary Schad, handpicked Sam, who will work with Officer Quinton Gleason — another new addition to the K-9 unit.

Schad selected a dog for himself as well — 2-year-old Janco.

Both dogs are halfway through their 12-week training program and will have to be certified before they can go out on the street.

Sam, who is named after Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, will specialize in narcotics detection. Janco is training for both narcotics and patrol.