The New Year brings new beginnings and new opportunities for fresh starts, and a chance to reflect on the past and how we can make the new year better.
One of the ways we can appreciate the events of the past is to recognize them and give them the accolades they deserve. Tuesday night, Jan. 9, was one of those opportunities.
On Nov. 16, 2023 K-9 officer Preston Harper and his partner, K-9 Jack, were on patrol when they were called to a situation that involved a person who had a history of violent behavior. During the encounter, the individual had a weapon and, without hesitation, K-9 Jack put himself between officer Harper and the person trying to do them harm.
K-9 Jack was wounded in this act of bravery and the individual was apprehended at the scene.
K-9 Jack was recognized for his bravery Tuesday night and awarded the Purple Heart from Weatherford Police Chief Lance Arnold in front of a standing room only crowd at the city council meeting. The entire Weatherford Police department, dignitaries, and citizens gave officer Harper and K-9 Jack a standing ovation as the medal was placed around his neck.
“When I first saw Jack go to work, I knew he was special. To see him track and do his apprehension duties, you knew he was special,” Arnold said. “To see him work and interact with individuals at schools and public engagement, I knew that he was especially extraordinary.
“He has proven time and time again that he is a valuable asset to our organization."
K-9 Jack has been with the department since 2018.
Due to the case still being under investigation, Arnold could not release any more details about it at this time.
The council approved professional services agreements with Catalyst Commercial, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $150,000 for services relating to retail recruitment, a housing study and I-20 zoning overlay. In other words, a study to do research on if a new housing development would be good for Weatherford.
“The housing study includes insights into demographic trends, housing affordability, and insight on growth metrics. Completion of this study is a crucial step towards informed decision-making, ensuring that our city's housing policies align with the evolving needs of our residents and demand from the market," Assistant Economic Development Director Ashley Seitz said. "The I-20 zoning overlay will create a special zoning district to exercise greater control over the aesthetic, functional and safety characteristics of development and redevelopment along Interstate 20.”
The next meeting for the Weatherford City Council is Jan. 23 at 6 p.m.
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