Roxey
University of Illinois Police Department
Oil on Panel 4"
x 6"
From her partner, Officer Douglas R. Beckman:
Roxey was our department's first Police Dog. She was a Belgian Malinois
from Holland. I was blessed in her picking me out at the kennel by placing
her paw upon my shoulder as we walked through the kennels looking at
100's of dogs before we made our selection. Then for over 9 years we
worked together as friends and partners. Roxey had over 1600 calls for
service and recovered over 400 lbs of illegal drugs. She was responsible
for seizing thousands of dollars of drug money and vehicles. Roxey was
also responsible for recovering 17 handguns and assisting in the arrest
of 100's of felony and misdemeanor suspects. Roxey retired on Aug 4,
2008.
On Sept 27th 2008 I lost my partner and friend. Roxey had been injured
3 years prior looking for a home invasion suspect and had been on some
very strong medication so she would be comfortable after her back injury.
Roxey never slowed down. The day of the 27th I was able to have my daughter
tell Roxey to catch the bad guys one last time and my wife to be with
me as she passed. It was truly the hardest thing I have every done.
Roxey is always with me and has made me a better person as well as an
Officer. When I got my new partner I new I had to get someone with a
different look and personality so I wouldn't be able to compare just
by looking at them. Now more than ever, I'm gratefull I was able to
do that with my new Partner Quinty. Thank you very much for everything
you do it does mean alot to the Officers and family we spend so much
of our lives with them it is hard to put in words. Roxey was truly my
family's Hero.
If you are a member of
Search & Rescue,
K-9 or Mounted Patrol, please allow me to paint a small portrait
for you at no charge, in gratitude for your service.
PLEASE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROJECT OR
TO COMMISSION YOUR OWN PORTRAIT
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