Heather Bell
Hbell@ourvalley.org

The Radford Police Department’s newest officer made a great first impression at Monday’s Radford City Council meeting.

Xander, a 25-month-old Belgian Malinois, is the city’s latest K-9 officer. He and his handler, Master Police Officer Michael Jenkins, were introduced to council members, as Xander sat perfectly at attention for his big moment.

“We look forward to a long career of Xander’s service to the community,” said Chief Don Goodman.

Xander is a narcotics detection and apprehension dog. He was purchased with a combination of donations and asset forfeiture funds.
Members of the Radford High School Band entertained the meeting attendees, giving a small concert in the lobby prior to the meeting and again following a resolution passed by council in honor of the band’s accomplishments this season. Councilman Keith Marshall read the resolution recognizing the band for its exceptional season, which included several first-place wins at competitions in the 3A and 4A classes; Radford generally competes at the 2A class in other pursuits.

“The RHS Marching Band demonstrated talent, teamwork and musical ability throughout the 2016 season,” it reads. “Radford City Council honors and recognizes the Band for the hours of preparation, musical skill, teamwork and outstanding performances throughout the season in many styles and venues.”

Monday’s meeting also included the approval of the memorandum of understanding between the city and the Radford Chamber of Commerce. Council also approved an ordinance to amend the consortium agreement for the New River/ Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Area Consortium, as well as several appropriation ordinances to utilize grants funds received by the city and asset forfeiture funds.

Appropriations included:

$1,345 in police donations to purchase a canopy, banner and marketing materials for Radford’s Help Save the Next Girl chapter

$18,562 in reserve funds to implement a new E-ticket system, which allows police officers to issue summons or ticket electronically.

$17,400, including an $1,800 local match and $15,600 in grant funds, to be used for technology upgrades in police communications and supplies for the new E Ticket program.

$43,958 in asset forfeiture funds for police purchases, drug investigations and repairs.

Council’s next meeting is set for Monday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in city council chambers, located at 10 Robertson St.