K-9 accident doesn’t deter “Rüdiger Tuesday” at Golden Era, Jeff Pelline
We heard the choppers near our house as we were waking up this morning. Later we learned what happened: At about 6:15 a.m., Nevada City Police Officer Michael (Scott) Goin, with K-9 officer Rüdiger on board, was conducting a routine traffic stop on the Sacramento Street off ramp in Nevada City, according to the police department.
“A vehicle travelling at a high rate of speed struck Officer Goin’s squad car from the rear. The vehicle then overturned, requiring the occupants be extracted, according to the police report. One of the occupants was transported via helicopter for medical attention.
“Both Officers are going to be just fine. Scott Goin sustained minor injuries and was treated and released from Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Rüdiger was seen by his veterinarian, Dr. Susan Murphy, Four Paws Animal Clinic in Nevada City. He has bruising and may be sore for a few days but is expected to make a full recovery.”
Both Rüdiger and his partner, Officer Goin, plan to be at Fat Rüdiger Tuesday evening at Golden Era.
February 9 is Fat Tuesday, kicking off Nevada City Mardi Gras celebrations. And the 15th is Rüdiger’s 2nd birthday, which Nevada City will be celebrating a few days early, also on Tuesday. It will include beads and bobbles and a special Fat Rüdiger Tuesday birthday toast. 5-9 at Golden Era in Nevada City.
Golden Era is offering a special cocktail to help celebrate, and $1 for each sold will support the K9 Officer, Rüdiger. The community continues to support Rüdiger through fundraising events like Rüdiger Tuesday. Each second Tuesday Golden Era cocktail parlor opens from 5-9pm to support the Nevada City K9 Program.
To date, Rüdiger has been 100 percent community funded and has generated tremendous enthusiasm. “This is an amazing community. I’m so impressed with the support which has provided our small department with such a valuable asset,” said Nevada City Police Chief Timothy Foley.
The primary role of the new K9 Officer is public relations, as well as searches, tracking and narcotics intervention. K9 Officers are an important tool in law enforcement, public safety and officer safety. Rüdiger became the first NCPD K9 Officer since 1993 when Officer Dave Burke patrolled the streets of Nevada City with his canine partner, Bear.