Crime & Safety
Happy 30th Birthday, McGruff
Remember McGruff the Crime Dog, who has spent the past three decades teaching kids about crime prevention through commercials and songs?
Children at the Albany Library celebrated the 30th birthday of McGruff the Crime Dog on Thursday afternoon. McGruff, a cartoon character, was created in July 1980 to increase awareness about crime and safety among American children.
Nearly a dozen children gathered in the library for the July 1 event. Kids "surprised" the anti-crime canine by hiding before he entered the conference room of the library, where the birthday party took place.
They sang "Happy Birthday" to McGruff, presented him with birthday cake made of clay, and learned about crime prevention.
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The youngsters said they enjoyed the event.
"I thought it was great," said 8-year-old Ayanius Saucer, who was visiting the library with his 5-year-old sister, Shanylei Hamilton, and his 63-year-old great-grandmother, Nicole Williams.
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"I want to be a police officer when I grow up and send bad guys to jail," said Hamilton, who goes to Edward M. Downer Elementary School in San Pablo.
This is the first time the Albany Police Department held a birthday party for McGruff; it was part of a national effort to acknowledge the character's birthday and highlight safety tips for kids.
Karina Tindol, community engagement specialist for the Albany Police Department, and officer Monique Limon planned the party.
"I watched the video commercials of McGruff as a kid," said Limon, who has been working for the police department for three years. "I thought the party would be a great way to reach out to the kids."
Tindol said police might plan another party for McGruff's 31st birthday next year.
