WEST PLAINS, Mo. — The city of West Plains has announced that a new dog park in the city will be named after their former K-9 officer.
The West Plains City Council approved a budget amendment at their meeting on November 19. That budget included funds for a dog park on Worel Street.
After a suggestion by city employee Greg Stubbs, it was decided to name the dog park “Tuk’s Playground: K-9 Officer Memorial Park.”
Tuk was born on March 2, 2010. He was purchased by the city of West Plains on July 12, 2011 and went in service in March 2012.
Tuk was retired on Sunday, April 7 of this year due to an intervertebral disc disease. Chief Stephen Monticelli says that Tuk’s condition deteriorated over the past few months to the point where mobility was almost non-existent, prompting the need for the dog to be put to sleep earlier this month.
While the park name and location have been approved, the park is still in the planning stages, according to city officials.
“The outpour of community support during this time to our department from raising funds to purchase two new dogs to the love and support everyone showed Tuk and his handlers, Officer Justin Brown and previous handler Lieutenant Brian Bunch, has been phenomenal. West Plains Police Department is proud of its community, the community Tuk loved serving,” Police Chief Stephen Monticelli said in a statement provided to Ozark Radio News. “I think it is fitting and touching to name the proposed park after Tuk.”
