Muncie Police Department getting new dog thanks to Ozzy Osbourne
By KELLY DAY • [email protected] • September 16, 2009

MUNCIE –– Ozzy Osbourne appears to have a soft spot for canines.

Or in this case, K9s.
The "Prince of Darkness," who was often shown interacting with his family's dogs on their MTV reality show The Osbournes, was recently convinced by his son and former Armed & Famous celebrity cast member, Jack Osbourne, to buy the Muncie Police Department a new K9 officer, according to MPD Sgt. Jay Turner.

"Jack and Ozzy are sending the check either this week or next week and then we'll go get him," Turner said.
And even though they don't have the new K9 officer in hand yet, they've already got a
name picked out –– Ozzy.

Ozzy will take the place of Rover, the K9 officer who is retiring this month.
"(Rover) has had a phenomenal career," Turner said.
The 13-year-old German Shepherd has been with the Muncie Police Department since 2000.
"Most last on the streets seven to nine years," Turner said.

But the time finally came when it was clear it was best for Rover that he retire. That's when Turner contacted Jack to ask if he could help the police department, he said.
"We don't have any money for the dog and Jack knew that," Turner said, adding that he called and "ran the idea by him" last month.
"There was no hesitation. He talked to (Ozzy) and called me back in 10 minutes and it was a done deal. (Jack) said, 'You guys have a new dog,'" Turner said with a smile.
The dog is being trained at Vohne Liche Kennels in Denver, Ind. The Osbournes' check for $10,000 will cover the cost of purchasing the canine.

A private group based out of the Fraternal Order of Police lodge in Muncie will continue a fundraiser to raise money for food, veterinary bills and other costs, MPD Capt. Chuck Hensley said.
"We're trying to do it without touching taxpayer money at all," Hensley said. "We need all the help we can get. Give freely."
The police department has two other K9 dogs in addition to Rover, Hensley said. The department formerly had six but gradually gave up K9 officers as the department made cuts, he said.
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"A dog's life is worth a lot, but a human's life is worth more," Hensley said. "That dog has a better chance of getting to (a perpetrator) without injury than we do."

The Osbournes' donation to the department is a relief to Hensley, who oversees the uniform division.
"I was ecstatic," he said. "The Osbournes love us, and to me that rocks."

Turner has kept in contact with Jack and other Armed & Famous stars, such as actor Erik Estrada, since the conclusion of the show's taping in 2006. Though the CBS show failed to catch the interest of TV viewers –– the program was canceled after just four of seven filmed episodes aired –– the experience was influential in Osbourne's life.

Osbourne has returned to Muncie to work with Turner, who was his supervisor, and other officers. Estrada has also made return visits to Muncie to help his MPD colleagues with charity efforts.
"When (Jack) comes back, he helps us with our K9 training a lot," Turner said. "(Jack and Ozzy) are big supporters of our K9 unit and that's how I thought to talk to him."
Turner attended one of Ozzy's shows in Chicago and had a chance to chat with him.
"We're both World War II buffs," Turner said. "He's just a really nice guy."

Jack has also made a good impression on Turner.
"I would love to have (Jack) on the police department," Turner said. "He knew how to talk to people, he's very tactical (and) he knew what it took to be a good cop."
Turner said Jack told him he is planning to join a police department in California.
"When I talked to him, he said he's going to go into the regular department (rather than work as a reserve officer)," Turner said. "There's that taste you have to be a cop and he's got it."
As for Rover?
"He'll definitely miss (being a K9), but now he gets to stay home and protect my family," Turner said.


http://www.thestarpress.com/article/20090916/NEWS01/909160316

My first rock concert was Ozzy. It was an eye opener for a 16 yr old.