In a heartwarming twist to Oregon State Police's "Name Our K-9" contest, a two-year-old Belgian Malinois drug-detection dog has been given a name that carries deep personal significance. After canvasing the creativity of young minds across Oregon, the name "Millie" resonated with voters, securing nearly half of the total votes cast. This winning name is submitted by five-year-old Violet from Winston. Sadly, Violet's twin sister Millie passed away earlier this year, making the name a tribute to her late sister.
The story behind the name was unforeseen by everyone involved, as the intention behind the contest was simply to christen a new member of the police force. According to a statement obtained by FlashAlert, Kylee Stewart, the mother of Violet and Millie, shared that the girls "were inseparable" and "shared a love of animals." This passion made Violet's entry honoring her sister an especially touching selection. Senior Trooper Scott Show, partnered with the newly named K-9 Millie, was struck by the depth of meaning found in this naming journey, affirming that it was "really wonderful" to end up with a name so meaningful to a family.
Oregon State Police's K-9 Millie, now certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association, will serve alongside the Sr. Trooper Show at the Albany Patrol Office. As detailed by FlashAlert, their duties will encompass drug interdiction along Interstate 5 and throughout Oregon. In a gracious gesture of remembrance, Oregon State Police Superintendent Casey Codding has dedicated to recognizing K-9 Millie's drug seizures with acknowledgment of the little girl whose memory she carries forward. Violet was awarded a letter, a certificate from Superintendent Codding, an Oregon State Police uniform patch, and a Belgian Malinois plushie dubbed 'Millie' as tokens of appreciation for her contribution to the OSP family.
The other finalists in the contest were names rich with aspiration and character: "True" by Michael B. from Creswell, "Showtime" from Kariann G. in Roseburg, "Pearl" scribed by Bailey P. from Medford, and "Mable," a collective brainstorm from Mrs. Moles's second-grade class in Prairie City. And with an honorable mention, Hillcrest Elementary in North Bend was recognized for rallying the most submissions. OSP will further honor these young participants by making presentations to students across the state.
