Good day, Madam Mayor Nash and Menlo Park City Council Members,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing in regards to the impending retirement of K-9 Duke. I know you have received much correspondence in regards to this. I also felt compelled to write.
A few years ago my nine year old daughter Makynlee and I were looking through Instagram for a school project idea when she stumbled across Duke. We went through his pictures and were amazed by him. My daughter felt the need to write Duke. I explained to her she may not hear back from him because he and his Dad are very busy police officers. We sent the letter and crossed our fingers.
One day, MaKynlee and I went to the post office and waiting for her was a letter back from Duke. She was blown away and so was I. In the years that followed they became the best of pen pals. My daughter loves Duke and the kindness he has shown her. We live in Tulare, which is roughly 4 hours away. I wish agencies around us had this kind of community outreach. But I understand costs associated with this.
However, retiring Duke is a huge failure in community policing. He is the bridge MPPD needs now more than ever. Studies have shown and proven positive community policing leads to successful outcomes for the youths in the community. My daughter will stop anyone and tell them all about Duke. The local post office shares in her love for Duke, they come out from the back saying a package from the police dog from Menlo Park is here! Everyone in the post office will ohh and ahh over the sharpie paw drawn package. Strangers clap and ask her questions and she gladly explains who he is. Most children would be intimidated by the attention but not her. Duke brings her out of her shell every-time. His impact has no distance.
When I told her was no longer going to be a police officer she cried and asked what did he do wrong. I explained gently that Chief Norris made his decision and we have to accept it even though we don’t like it. Quite frankly, his decision is without merit and I beg you Madam Mayor to see what a mistake this is. Duke is not a distraction. I challenge all of you to find someone who has anything bad to say about Duke or Sgt. Soares. Perhaps you need to consider the motives behind Chief Norris. Is it because Duke gains attention wherever he goes? I certainly hope you consider my plea to keep him in active duty. As a public servant myself I understand the struggle of making hard decisions. But, when it comes to Duke the answer should be easy, DONT RETIRE HIM! Right now more than ever Duke is needed for the community. He will continue to be a positive force.
I hope my letter does not fall on deaf ears and I hear a response back. I have included my contact information in the event you wish to reach me for further comment.
Very respectfully,
Miranda D. Browning
PO BOX 274
Tulare,CA 93275
559-802-6276
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Miranda Browning
E: mbrowning12@lapu.edu | lapu.edu
