Published: July 03, 2008 11:48 pm         

The City of Heath Department of Public Safety has a new member

HEATH — He isn’t as strong or skilled as his colleagues, but he does have a charming waddle and friendly personality that is winning hearts all over town.

“We were outside performing our daily engine and equipment inspections last week, and I looked up to see a baby duck racing across Laurence Drive,” said Officer Jim Simmons. “He came skidding into the fire bay and walked right into my hands.”

The officers brought the duckling into the station with the intention of finding him a new home. But after spending just a few hours with the B Shift, it was clear that he intended to stay.

Dubbed Flashover by the students of Amy Parks-Heath Elementary School in a name contest held by Heath DPS, the young duck is already demonstrating his department loyalty and love for people.

“Flashover instinctively began following on the heels of our officers anytime they walked down the halls as if they were his own mother duck,” says community resource officer Brian Burton. “He’s fitting in so well that we are incorporating him into our public education events with children. That’s why we thought it would be fun to have the students help us name him.”

Because Flashover will be around the public, he has already had his first visit to the veterinarian where he received a clean bill of health. He will continue to receive excellent care from Simmons and other officers who rotate taking him home on their days off and have given him the nickname of “Flash”.

“He’s a great little guy, and we look forward to having him on our team for a long time,” said Officer Simmons. “I think the kids we educate will really enjoy him, which helps us capture their attention to share important safety information.”