July 31, 2014 VOLU M E 1 0 | I S SUE 9
ArvadaPress.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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To rescue is Golden Hijackers Arvada dog rescue nurtures health and happiness By Crystal Anderson
canderson@colorado communitymedia.com A bond created between an owner and his best friend, is a friendship that can last a lifetime, but for some animals, that bond is cut short. Golden Retriever Rescue of the Rockies (GRRR), 15350 W. 72 Ave., is a nonprofit center for lost, abandoned or surrendered golden retrievers. Founded in 1996 by a local dog trainer, the rescue has been devoted to nurture of more than 3,000 rescued dogs. “Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome them,” said Kevin Shipley, executive director of the rescue. “There is no shortage of dogs to be rescued.” Located on four and a half acres in west Arvada, the rescue can house as many as 20 dogs at the facility, in both kennels and the home of Animal Caregiver, Mary Kenton. At GRRR, rescues are treated with extensive care throughout their stay, ensuring they have every need, whether medical, physical or emotional met. “At the end of the day, our objective — it sounds goofy to say — we represent the dog, we’re their voice, and we’re going to find a family that makes the dog happy,” Shipley said. On arrival, each dog is given an extensive medical exam, any necessary shots, and is evaluated to find out its character and habits. On the property, animals have access to a training facility, a trainer, a groomer, a large dog park, known as “Woof,” and hours of socialization with other rescues and volunteers daily. “The thing that’s so great about the rescue is, it’s not about finding a home for the dog, but the right home for the dog,” said Barbara Crook, a volunteer with the organization. GRRR receives around 25 applications a week from individuals and families wishing to adopt one of their rescues, giving the rescue options for finding the best fit for the dog, and the family.
to face multiple charges
Suspect arrested in Lookout Mountain crime spree held in Jeffco jails Staff Report
Kevin Shipley, executive director of Golden Rescue, happily offers Bentley, a 15 year-old male retriever, a treat in the rescue’s kennel area. Photo by Crystal Anderson “If we find the right human that makes the dog happy, the human will be happy too,” Shipley said. For Kenton, working with the dogs provides a sense of joy. “I love them, they’re so rewarding and they appreciate everything you give them. They’re just wonderful dogs, and so genuinely sweet,” she said.
HOW YOU CAN ADOPT For more information on GRRR or to send in an application for adoption, visit www.goldenrescue.com.
Christopher Sullivan, the man identified as the offender who wreaked havoc on Lookout Mountain with an unidentified female juvenile on Wednesday, July 23, is being held in a Jefferson County jail on a $1 million cash bond. Sullivan was advised of his charges on July 30, which included criminal attempt first-degree murder of a police officer, aggravated robbery, first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, criminal attempt first-degree aggravated motor vehicle theft, identity theft, theft and numerous warrants from previous crimes. After being pulled over during a routine traffic stop last week, SulSullivan livan and the female juvenile took off on foot which led to a manhunt by the Colorado State Patrol and Golden police. During the search by law enforcement, the suspects began a two-hour crime spree across Lookout Mountain that included vehicle thefts, home burglaries and menacing of 12 bystanders. Both the female and Sullivan were eventually caught after a Jeffco motorcycle officer tackled Sullivan on the pavement on Interstate 70. The juvenile female is being held at the Mount View Youth Detention facility on charges of criminal attempt first-degree murder of a police officer, aggravated robbery, first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft and criminal attempt first degree aggravated motor vehicle theft. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim, a witness or has any knowledge of potential evidence regarding this crime spree to contact the Sheriff’s Office tip line at 303-271-0211.
A new fire place Arvada Fire Protection District opens new maintenance building By Crystal Anderson
canderson@colorado communitymedia.com Cramped into a break room full of storage, the Arvada Fire Protection District Support Services Team realized it was running out of space, and fast. Located behind Station 8, at 64th Avenue and Quaker Street, a solution to the quest for space is about to open. Arvada Fire Protection District’s new Maintenance Facility is a 9,600-squarefoot building serving the district’s fleet vehicles and building maintenance needs. Here, technicians, mechanics and other support services staff will be able to work on any problem associated with any of the district’s facilities or 55 fleet vehicles. “I’m excited to have space, it really is about having space,” said Chris Ambrosia, director of support services with the dis-
trict’s support services team. Planning for a new space began two years ago when the current facility began to run out of space for the team’s parts and tools. Construction on the new facility began in August 2013. This new, two-story facility will have two large offices housing the maintenance coordinator and technicians; a locker room, break room, storage space on the main level and a mezzanine for overflow storage, and a large floor space where the team can work on up to six vehicles at a time. “We have never built a shop specifically for maintenance and repair of apparatus and support vehicles,” said Arvada Fire Protection District Chief Jon Greer. “With the vehicle maintenance duties being moved to the new facility, the training center can now function as a training facility.” A $1.1 million project, the building has taken under a year to complete, and is part of a larger effort to renovate, remodel and add on to several of the district’s stations, training centers, and the new maintenance facility. The new facility will allow the district the opportunity to de-clutter their training facility and expand their
The 9,600-square-foot facility will be the primary facility for all the protection district’s maintenance needs. Photo by Crystal Anderson maintenance services reach. “Now we can construct indoor training props and store apparatus in the bays specifically for use at the training facility,” Greer said. “We have never had that before
and that will enhance the training we now do in addition to the items above that benefit our mechanics.” Pending a final inspection, the building is set to open July 31.