Names them Community Hero

The community often expresses its gratitude to law enforcement for their service to the community.

Thursday, Eufaula Police Chief David Bryning turned the table on two of the community’s most ardent supporters of law enforcement.

Bryning presented Lake Dog owners John and Shari Wilkins and No. 9 Marina CEO Barry Hadlock with Community Hero plaques in gratitude for their contributions to the betterment of the police department.

The Wilkins led a major campaign in the summer to raise funds to help create a K9 unit for the department.

More than $20,000 was raised, thanks to the generosity of several major and a host of minor contributors.

The result of the campaign is a K9 unit that includes K9 Kilo and his handler Officer Trent Casinger and K9 Loki and his handler Jordan Pryor.

When Barry Hadlock learned Bryning was looking to purchase a rescue boat for the police department, Hadlock bought a boat at an auction and donated.

The boat, which received minor damage in a tornado near Norman this year, is being prepared for service.

“You have gone so far above and beyond to help the department and the citizens of Eufaula and surrounding communities by helping us with the K9 program and the rescue boat, I absolutely believe you should receive some recognition,” Bryning said.

He said without the help of the Wilkins and Hadlock and many others in the community, police work would be even harder than it is.

“We couldn’t get all the extras we need without community help,” he said.

Bryning said he felt a simple thank you and a card were not sufficient expression of gratitude for what the Wilkins and Hadlock have done for the department and so he presented them with the plaques.

“People don’t get enough recognition, no matter what line of work they’re in,” he said.

The two K9s are working out well. They are in training for narcotics detection and for tracking.

“They’re not apprehension dogs at this point. Right now, our biggest issue is drug trafficking,” Bryning said.