Long-time city resident Amy Finkel wanted to celebrate the memory of her brother-in-law Robert Camp, a retired Secret Service agent who protected six presidents over his career.
So she decided on the unique tribute of donating $15,000 for the purchase and training of a German Shepherd for the Alpharetta Police K-9 Unit. Matt Peterson, another civic-minded citizen, donated the $4,100 for a ballistic protective vest for the dog.
“Robbie,” named for Finkel’s brother-in-law, joins three other K-9 dogs in the unit. He will be partnered with officer J.C. McDonald.
“The dogs are used to sniff out drugs, tracking and, in extreme cases, apprehension, said police Lt. Dan Dreslinski, who partners with Bak.
At the Dec. 14 City Council meeting, Mayor Arthur Letchas read proclamations communicating the thanks and appreciation of the city to Finkel and Peterson for their generosity.
“By their efforts to make Robbie possible for us, Alpharetta now has one more officer to ensure its residents’ safety,” Letchas said.
Director of Public Safety Gary George congratulated Finkel for replacing a dog that had recently died suddenly.
“This is a wonderful thing she has done,” George said. “This helps us just that much more to do our job protecting the citizens of Alpharetta.”
Finkel said she was glad to be able to do this for the city and to memorialize her brother-in-law.
Nine-year Alpharetta resident Matt Peterson’s donation of a bullet-resistant vest for Robbie was much appreciated by the Police Department as well. The officers bond with their dogs, and they want the same protection for their four-footed comrades that they wear.
“I’m glad to be able to help out,” Peterson said. “I understand what these dogs do for us.”
By Hatcher Hurd
