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Government & Education

THE TOUCHING STORY BEHIND MOUNT DORA'S NEW POLICE K9 PUP

2/24/2020

3 Comments

 
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ABOVE: Mount Dora Police Officer Adam McCulloch with Mac. (Photo by Mount Dora Buzz)
It all started with a simple love of dogs and community, but then the tale takes a sad and unexpected turn.

In 2014, Mount Dora resident Kevin McMurray enrolled in the first Citizens Police Academy, a program offered by Mount Dora Police Department (MDPD) to familiarize residents with the inner workings of local law enforcement.   McMurray, a technical analyst who moved to Mount Dora from Lakeland, was a devoted dog lover who rescued four-legged best friends from area kill-shelters. After his involvement in the academy and volunteering in the community, McMurray, along with his wife Amber, counted MDPD officers among their friends.

Sadly, in September, 2018, Kevin was diagnosed with cancer and passed away nine months later.  

“When we found out Kevin was diagnosed with cancer, we were devastated,” said Mount Dora Police Chief Robert Bell who visited the ailing McMurray shortly before he died.

While he was sick, McMurray told Amber about his desire to fill a void at MDPD by gifting something near to his heart.  Last November, Amber surprised the police department by donating $30,000 in Kevin’s name to fund the purchase, training, care and equipping of a new K9 officer.   The departments two K9 officers, Stryker and Titan, had each retired for health reasons in recent years before passing away in 2018 and 2019.
As a result of the McMurrays’ generosity, last week a strong, playful 67-pound Czech Shepherd from Southern Coast K9 was welcomed by MDPD.

“We are proud to honor Kevin by naming our new K9, Mac,” said Bell.  “Our heartfelt thanks go out to Amber and Kevin for their generous donation.  His memory will live on through Mac.”

Mac, an alert, lanky bundle of energy, just began lengthy training with his partner, Officer Adam McCulloch.  The K9 will get specialized training in narcotics detection, criminal apprehension and missing persons tracking.  The certification is expected to take between 6 and 14 weeks, depending on the dog’s progress.  


Although Mac needs to learn the ropes, McCulloch has a decade of experience handling canines.  Most recently, he was partnered with MDPD’s K9 Officer Stryker who was credited with over 140 arrests before retiring in 2017.

For more news and events in Mount Dora, Tavares & Eustis, this month, click here.  Discover the area's online entertainment calendar here. Also download the area's free mobile app.  ​​​​
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3 Comments
Linda McMurray
2/24/2020 07:58:08 pm

When Kevin was born, we had a Beagle who loved to lie on the floor next to him. This is when his love of dogs began. As a toddler and younger child he was constantly adding to his collection of stuffed toy dogs including all the popular characters like Snoopy, Pluto and Pound Puppies. While growing up, our family had several dogs, always rescues, from various shelters. After college he adopted several others, including his favorite, Autumn, a flat-coated Retriever, who stayed by his side for many years and moved with him to Florida. When she crossed the Rainbow Bridge, he adopted Summer, who looked just like Autumn, and who was with him when he passed away, along with Orson, the other family rescue dog.
Mac really is the perfect tribute to my son, Kevin, whose 42nd birthday would have been this week.

Reply
Carol Platt link
3/3/2020 12:24:10 am

Such a generous and special gift this kind family has given in honor of their precious son and husband. I’m so very sorry for your loss and pray that God will help you as you walk through the sadness. You’re an amazing family who raised a son who blessed our citizens by volunteering to help our excellent police department. What a fine, generous person.

Reply
Rinnk9 link
1/7/2021 01:39:42 pm

WOW !!!! very interesting post .brilliant, thank you so much. I like your post.

Reply



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  • Home
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    • Real Estate Buzz
    • Government & Education
    • Profiles
    • Newsworthy
    • What's Hot...
    • Development Buzz
    • Who Knew?
    • Buzz Polls
  • Calendar
  • Festivals & Events
    • Annual Festivals
    • Monthly Events
    • Fall Festivals & Halloween Events
    • Best Local Pumpkin Patches
    • Holiday Event Guide
    • Mount Dora Community Toy Drive
  • The Best of....
    • Best of Mount Dora
    • Best of Eustis
    • Best of Tavares
    • Best of Mount Dora Take-out
  • Things to Do
  • Dining
  • Live Music
  • Lodging
  • Photos
    • Doors of Mount Dora
    • City Scenes
    • Colorful Cottages of Mount Dora
    • Holiday Lights
    • Views from Above
    • Palm Island Boardwalk
    • July 4th Americana
    • Vintage Photos
    • Donnelly House
    • Sydonie Mansion
    • The Howey Mansion
  • History
  • Mobile App
  • Contact
    • News Desk
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    • Writing Services & Content Marketing
    • Design Services
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    • Suggest a Restaurant Visit
    • Submit Pic of the Day
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