Midwest City Rotary Club pitches in for K-9 officer

Members of the Midwest City Rotary Club last Friday morning presented Chief Brandon Clabes with a $2,000 check to help purchase a new K-9 dog. Pictured, from left, Mayor Matt Dukes, Shane Willard, Austin Fisher, Brandon Clabes and James “Chili” McQuillar. (Photo by Jeff Harrison)

By Jeff Harrison
Managing Editor

When members of the Midwest City Rotary Club heard about a need for the Midwest City Police Department, they jumped at the chance to help.

The group last Friday morning donated $2,000 to help purchase a new K-9 officer for the police department.  Rotary Club president James “Chili” McQuillar, Mayor Matt Dukes, Austin Fisher and Shane Willard presented the check to Police Chief Brandon Clabes outside of the police department.

“When we heard of the need for a new K-9 officer we felt an incredible drive to help provide the tools they need to maintain their continued excellence,” McQuillar said. “This gift is a very small token of our appreciation of the work they do. The mission of Rotary Club of MWC is to provide ’Service above Self.’  This project is good example of one of the many ways we assist folks throughout the community.”

The department’s previous K-9, Joey recently retired due to chronic soft tissue pain after seven years with the city. Due to budget cuts related to COVID-19, Clabes said the department did not have funding to replace Joey this year and instead called on the community for support.

The Midwest City Police Department Awards Committee and the Midwest City Police Academy Alumni Association held a 5K9 Fun Run last Saturday at Joe B. Barnes Regional Park. Midwest City Rotary Club, the Leadership Midwest City Class of 2020 and others have also supported the K-9 program.

It cost about $12,000 to buy a new K-9 officer and $3,000 for training.