SCHOOLCHILDREN TO NAME CPD'S NEWEST OFFICER
Albertsons, Milk-Bone Donate K-9 Tracking Dog to Community

The newest member of the Clearwater Police Department will be introduced to the community next week when the specially trained K-9 tracking dog is donated to the department.

More than 100 Clearwater elementary school students who competed to name the dog will be on hand to introduce the German shepherd, who will be partnered with K-9 Unit supervisor Sergeant Eric Gandy.

The Wednesday, November 20, introduction of the new K-9 dog and presentation of a $5,000 check to the Clearwater Police Department will coincide with the re-grand opening of the Alberstons store at 1921 Belcher Road, at the intersection of Sunset Point Road in Clearwater.

All 5th grade students from Sandy Lane Elementary School will be on hand for the introduction on the animal they competed to name.

"The kids were absolutely excited to be asked to select the name for Clearwater's newest K-9 officer, and I think everyone will be particularly pleased with the name they selected," said Assistant Principal Dianne Allen.

Albertsons (cq), one of the largest retail food and drug chains in the United States, has teamed with the Original Milk-Bone Brand dog treats company to sponsor service dog donations to agencies across the United States.

"This donation is part of our on-going national effort to support local law enforcement," said Albertsons' Area Vice President Jim Perkins. "We've teamed with Milk-Bone to co-sponsor this donation, which is one of about 300 service-dog donations sponsored by Milk-Bone over the past three years."

Wednesday's 10 a.m. events will include special gifts for the children whose suggested name was selected for the newest member of the Clearwater Police Department, and a demonstration by the Unit's 5 handler/dog team complement. Refreshments will be served

Tampa Bay area media are invited to chronicle the introduction and naming
of CPD's newest K-9 member. Representatives of both Albertsons and Milk-Bone
will be on hand to discuss their Public Safety support program, and the
Sandy Lane Elementary students will be delighted to talk to reporters.
CPD's newest K-9 officer, of course, is panting, er, patiently awaiting
learning his new name. Much of the store's parking lot will be cordoned off
for this event; please approach from the Sunset Point Road entrance.

For additional information about the donation and introduction of CPD's newest K-9 officer, please contact CPD Public Information Officer Wayne Shelor at 727-562-4333, Albertsons' Director of Public Relations Walt Rubel at 610-889-4354, or Tanya Conovaloff of The Wilson Group at 972- 444-8443.

/s/
SID KLEIN
Chief of Police