Oxford welcomes Roscoe as its newest K-9 officer

BY CLAIRE WILLIAMS
Miami University journalism student

The Oxford City Council got a dose of puppy love last week, with the induction of a new K-9 "officer," Roscoe. Police Chief John Jones introduced the six-month-old German Shepard and his handler Officer Matthew Hardin to Council, prompting scattered applause and laughter.

Roscoe will be used to detect narcotics, track suspects, aid in foot pursuits, and assist officers in going into small spaces or houses that might be unsafe.

Matt Haverkamp Foundation

Jones praised the program that made Roscoe’s training possible -- the Matt Haverkamp Foundation. The Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Matt Haverkamp, a former Cincinnati-area K-9 officer, by his parents.

The foundation pays for training, the dog and additional fees, totaling $14,000. Roscoe is the 41st K-9 the foundation has supplied to area police departments.

Jeanette Altenau, on behalf of TriHealth, said that TriHealth is excited to partner with the Matt Haverkamp Foundation to help keep Oxford safe.

Grant acceptance

In addition to welcoming Roscoe, City Council also authorized the city manager to accept an Ohio Attorney General’s Office Drug Use Prevention grant in the amount of $11,536.60 for the 2017-18 academic year.

The grant will help pay for a school resource officer and with the Drug Use Prevention programs conducted in the Talawanda School District.

Council member Kevin McKeehan applauded Jones and the police department for doing the work to secure the funding and the grant.

“The program is called Too Good for Drugs and it is used for educating at-risk youths about drugs and how to stay away from them,” Jones said. The program is taught to students at every grade level.

Crossroads in former frat house

In other news, City Council also:

• Approved the use of the former home of Kappa Sigma at 406 E. Withrow St. as a worship space for the Crossroads Community Church.
• Accepted a grant of $113,850 from Ohio Public Works Commission toward reconstruction of a culvert on Contreras Road.
• Approved a 3.65-mil property tax rate for 2018, as recommended by Butler County. That means Oxford property owners will pay $3.65 per $1,000 in accessed value of their property.

Photo: Oxford Police Officer Matthew Hardin introduces his new K-9 assistant, Roscoe, to Oxford City Council. -- Photo by Claire Williams