"McGruff the Crime Dog" continues to be a very busy part of the Community Relations Division/Crime Prevention Unit by visiting with approximately 85,000 citizens (children & adults) throughout the City of Odessa and surrounding areas by personal appearances at local functions or programs.

Among the many programs presented by McGruff were "Stranger Danger", "Just Say No", "Home Alone", and general safety to students attending local schools and daycare centers. McGruff made appearances at the Police Athletic League, National Night Out, D.A.R.E. Graduation, Red Ribbon Rallies, Special Olympics, Storefront Programs, Safe Halloween and Fun Days at local schools just to name a few. Additionally, he participated in several parades conducted throughout the city during various times of the year.

During the Christmas holidays, McGruff visited 60 hospitalized children in the Odessa Regional Hospital and Medical Center Hospital . These children were presented with stuffed bears by McGruff and accompanying officers.

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