K-9 Officer Anjia of the Three Rivers Police Department

St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney John McDonough has announced the death of K-9 Officer Anjia of the Three Rivers Police Department.

In a news release reporting her death, McDonough said Anjia died on September 30th at the age of 8-and-a-half years after being diagnosed in September with an auto-immune disease.

Anjia was recognized for her achievements as co-recipient of the Police Officer of the Year Award in 2008 and a certificate of commendation from the City of Three Rivers.

McDonough said, “Anjia will be sorely missed.  K-9 officers are an extremely important part of law enforcement and community safety and thus essential to keep all of us safe.”

McDonough said, “This safety comes at a cost” and indicated, that, in order the get and train a dog with the specialized skills involved, $10,000 is needed.  And he said, “That is why I am asking the community for help.”

McDonough said, “In this tough economic environment, law enforcement is one area that is experiencing cuts and replacing Anjia will be impossible without the support of everyone.  This is why I, along with other county law enforcement officials, am asking businesses as well as the community to help raise the money.”

McDonough said he has started by donating $1,400 from drug forfeitures and hopes that the rest of the money can be quickly raised.

McDonough said, “If you would like to donate money or learn more about the effort, please mail donations to the Three Rivers Police Department at 333 W. Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers MI 49093, or call (269) 278-1235.”

McDonough said, “Thank you for all of your support and I look forward to introducing our newest K-9 later this year.”

To read the full news release from Prosecuting Attorney John McDonough, including additional information about Anjia and her work in St. Joseph County, click here.