In celebration of October as Crime Prevention Month, personnel at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana in Gary recently donated $25,000 to the Gary Police Department for a special cause.
The money will be used to sponsor Phouka, the department's newest canine officer. Phouka is the partner of Corporal Anne Malinoff, who has been with the Gary Police Department for six years.
Members of the Hard Rock staff, the Gary Police Department and members of the mayor's office attended the special event held in front of the main entrance of the casino.
Members of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana, the Gary Police Department and the Mayor's office are pictured at the recent check donation event. Provided photo.
“Hard Rock is pleased to fund the acquisition and training of Phouka. We are committed to do our part to make Gary a safe place to live and work,” said Matt Schuffert, president of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana.
Malinoff said she's had Phouka since August and they've already developed quite a bond. “What I love about him is his high energy and he’s motivated to work. And that's how I am,” she said. Malinoff said Phouka has already located a firearm and several people.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome Phouka, Badge #K13 to the Gary Police Department’s K9 unit,” said Gary Police Chief Derrick Cannon.
Also at the event was Corporal Dwayne Brown with his K9 partner Koba, who recently retired from the canine division. Brown said Koba was great to work with through his years of service. “”When we were on patrol, he found guns, people, narcotics and more,” Brown said. He added Koba also located an autistic female who had been missing.
“Today we celebrate not just a canine officer but a stronger, safer Gary for everyone,” said Ellis Dumas, who is Gary Mayor Melton's chief of staff.
Dumas said the addition of Phouka was a “gamechanger” for the department.