Owasso teenager Owen Davis spent roughly a year repairing a police K-9 training structure that had fallen into disrepair. In KJRH's account, Davis said he thought police had stopped using it because of the risks the damage posed to the dogs.
Davis had been a Boy Scout since first grade and was nearing his 18th birthday as he looked for a project to complete in pursuit of Eagle Scout rank, according to 2 News Oklahoma KJRH. The project focused on the Owasso Police Department’s training facility.
Weather had damaged the structure, leaving rotting wood, loose nails and screws, and chipping paint, Davis said. Describing why it had gone unused, he said, “they weren't using it for the longest time because it was just a huge risk factor for the dogs.”
Repairs to the Training Structure
Davis said the work involved replacing damaged lumber and salvaging wood that remained sound. He also applied multiple coats of paint and replaced bolts and screws.
The project took about a year. Davis received help from fellow Eagle Scouts and donations for the work.
The Work in the Context of K-9 Duties
Police Chief Jason Woodruff said handlers work 12-hour shifts, balancing care for their dogs with training. He said reducing other demands on handlers can leave them more time for training.
Woodruff described the restoration as much needed by the department, which also expressed gratitude for Davis’s work.
What the project and department information establish
The Boy Scouts of America says Eagle candidates must plan, develop and lead a service project benefiting a religious institution, school or community. That general requirement does not establish the specific approval or planning steps Davis followed, according to the Boy Scouts of America.
The Owasso Police Department’s recruitment site says it has four dedicated K-9 teams providing 24/7 coverage. That information describes the department’s teams, but does not say whether they currently use this training structure or identify specific training activities or limitations.
Davis’s restoration project for his hometown police department was part of his effort to earn Eagle rank, with help from fellow Eagle Scouts and donations.
