“They are very popular,” said Officer Kristy Collins. “Lots of people collect them every year.”
The hand-painted glass balls, which are paid for through an employee fund that includes monies collected from vending machines and other annual activities, in past years have featured winter scenes in the city and a police cruiser as well as the sculpture in front of the police station. In 2012, Officer Bob Gentry, the department’s beloved school resource officer and Safety Town instructor was featured following his death in June of that year.
But the 2015 ornament features the department’s only four-legged member, Flash, and he is chasing the Grinch who stole a decoration from the tree.
The design is that of Sky Sloderbeck, the department’s community engagement specialist.
“I am an animal lover,” she said, noting the 3-year-old Belgian Malinois seemed perfect, especially attempting to catch someone trying to steal Christmas.
Flash is the first police dog the department has had in three years.
“We are looking for these to be as popular as the Officer Bob ones,” said Sgt. Ed Buns. He added prior to collectibles ornaments, officers were given key chains for the holiday. The ornaments are more popular with families and citizens, he said.
If you would like to purchase a 2015 ornament for $12 or a previous year’s ornament for $6, please contact public affairs from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 513-868-5811 Ext. 2007.
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