Fans of Miko raise $10,000 for a K-9 cop to replace him
By Alexis Huicochea
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
"These K-9s save lives and it is wonderful that Wal-Mart is contributing to that."
Bob Walkup
Mayor
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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.
"These K-9s save lives and it is wonderful that Wal-Mart is contributing to that."
Bob Walkup
Mayor
● Contact reporter Alexis Huicochea at 629-9412 or ahuicochea@azstarnet.com.
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