HomeMy WebLinkAboutSPCC Minutes 1997-03-03SRCC MINUTES (Special) 3/3/97
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IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL, MONDAY, MARCH 3, 1997, AT 6:00
PM
Special Meeting:
San Rafael City Council
Present: Albert J. Boro,
Paul M. Cohen,
Barbara Heller,
Gary Phillips,
Mayor
Councilmember
Councilmember
Councilmember
Absent: Cyr Miller, Councilmember
1.TRIBUTE TO ROCKY AND THE CANINE FOUNDATION - File 9-3-30
Mayor Boro introduced the members of the Council, and expressed appreciation for
the contributions received to pay for the surgery needed by Rocky, former Police
Dog of the San Rafael Police Department.
Mayor Boro stated the community had shown a tremendous outpouring, with over $18,000
collected for Rocky Is surgery. He noted the money which remained after paying
for the surgery would be placed in a special Canine Foundation fund, and will
be used for future Police Dogs who have problems.
Mayor Boro introduced Doug Fletcher, President of the San Rafael Police Officers'
Association, who thanked all those attending this tribute to Rocky and the Canine
Foundation. Officer Fletcher stated that establishing the Canine Foundation
had been very important to all those involved, and was done in coalition with
the City.
Officer Fletcher reported that through the efforts of the community, the Foundation
was able to raise the money to rehabilitate Rocky, noting the City had allowed
Rocky's trainer, Officer Joel Fay, to keep the dog. He stated the residual
money would be used to rehabilitate any other Police dog who has given its life
to law enforcement, providing the dog with a good quality of life if it can
be helped with surgery. Officer Fletcher emphasized that the remaining money
would not be used for dog training programs for the Police Department; it would
be used only for the welfare of the dogs, which was something the members of
the Foundation appreciated.
Officer Fletcher noted the outpouring of the community had been emotionally
overwhelming for the members of the Police Department, particularly himself,
Officer Fay, and Officer Ralph Pata, who had organized this. Officer Fletcher
introduced Sergeant Jim Kelly, Vice President of the San Rafael Police Officers'
Association and member of the Board of Directors of the Canine Foundation; and
San Rafael's new Chief of Police, Camerino Sanchez.
Officer Fletcher stated the Canine Foundation had received a lot of support and
money from everyone, but noted the money was almost secondary to the letters
that were received; letters from people of all walks of life and occupation,
and envelopes full of letters from school children. He noted one young boy
came to the Police Department and brought fifty -cents, which he placed on the
counter without giving his name, stating only that he wished to donate for Rocky.
Officer Fletcher stated that when there is this kind of outpouring from a community,
it makes those in the Police Department realize they can have a very positive
effect on people, and understand the importance of their profession. Officer
Fletcher expressed deep appreciation for what the community had done.
Officer Joel Fay reported that after the Police Department began the fundraiser,
Rocky Is condition went from bad to terrible, and reached the point where Rocky
could no longer walk upstairs. Officer Fay noted it took a long time before
the surgery for Rocky could be scheduled, but four weeks ago Rocky had a right
rear hip replacement, with the surgery performed at a special veterinary hospital
in Davis, California. Officer Fay reported that when he brought Rocky home
from the hospital, he was told Rocky would probably not be walking much for
at least eight weeks, and would likely require a sling be placed under him in
order to stand; however, within three days of being home, Rocky was climbing
up and down stairs. Officer Fay noted his biggest task so far has been trying
to slow Rocky down, to allow his hip to heal properly.
Officer Fay noted the reason for this tribute was to thank everyone, noting how
special the community's response had been to the members of the Department.
He stated that never in their wildest imagination did they ever think the members
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of the public would respond to the Police Department the way they did. He stated
there were many little stories and moments that stood out, such as the homeless
man who came in and dropped off $5 at the front counter, the children who donated
nickels and
quarters, those who organized fund raisers, and the woman who donated the full cost
of the surgery the day after the article about Rocky appeared in the newspaper,
so that the next day Officer Fay knew that Rocky would be all right because
he would have his surgery.
Officer Fay stated, as Rocky's partner and friend, he wanted to say "Thank you"
for the outpouring of generosity and caring, especially the cards, photographs,
phone calls and letters filled with wonderful stories from poeple about their
own dogs, who were their own partners. However, he stated the best gift he
has been given is the knowledge that this community really supports and cares
about its Police Department, noting that has had a far greater impact on him,
his family, and the members of the Police Department than anyone could possibly
imagine. He hoped that after this tribute, the members of the community would
know how much this has meant to all of them.
Members of the audience presented Rocky with special bags of dog biscuits.
Officer Fletcher announced cake would be served in the lobby, and invited everyone
to meet Rocky, Officer Fay, and San Rafael' s new Police Chief Camerino Sanchez.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 6:30 PM.
09111
JEANNE M. LEONCINI, City Clerk
APPROVED THIS DAY OF ,
MAYOR OF THE CITY OF SAN RAFAEL
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