Rock Island Police Department Asking for Help Naming New K-9 Officer

The Rock Island Police Department is- seeking help to name its latest recruit, a 14-month-old K-9. The Belgian-Malinois and German Shepherd mix from Cedar Creek Kennels, is a replacement for K-9 Officer Sparky Jackson, who died tragically last September following a medical emergency. This new beginning was made possible thanks to an anonymous donor contributing $10,000 to the K-9 program. Officer Alex Bowman will serve as the handler and begin 10 weeks of training with the dog at the end of March. Name suggestions can be submitted on the Police Department’s and city’s Facebook pages until 5 p.m. March 6. The chosen moniker will be unveiled at the city council meeting on March 11.