MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) Two weeks ago, a 9-year-old- Mitchell resident named Laken approached the Mitchell Fire Department and City Council with a question; What happened to the fire dog in front of the Mitchell Fire Department, and could we please have another one? The Mitchell Fire Department held a fund raiser in conjunction with the band concert and farmers’ market at Hitchcock Park. Their goal was to raise $425 to fund a replacement dog.
That evening’s fundraiser, and donations from the next day, brought in $1700. Fire Chief Dan Pollreisz consulted with Laken over what to do with the extra money. Laken is a dog lover and wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up and she loved Chief Pollreisz’ suggestion. He suggested getting a second dog in honor of the drug canine Tommy who recently died.
Both dogs are currently in Sioux Falls being painted. The fire dog will be the traditional Dalmation while the police dog will be a black German Shepard, which is what Tommy was. The dogs will be on display after Labor Day along with a plaque of Laken’s handwritten letter that made the initial request.
Kudos go out to Laken for her interest in the process of government and her efforts to make a difference. Congratulations go out to Chief Pollreisz and the Mitchell Fire Department for conducting the fund raiser and making the replacement of the fire dog, and the tribute to Tommy, a reality.