December 5, 2024 3:05 a.m. 

Oregon State Police have named a new drug-detection K-9 in honor of a Douglas County girl, who passed away earlier this year.

An OSP release said Senior Trooper Scott Show needed an official name for the new K-9. Show had the idea to let Oregon elementary school students name the two-year-old female Belgian Malinois. In October, OSP launched the “Name Our K-9” contest.  At the time, no one knew the agency would end up with a very special name for one family.

After almost 800 entries and a week of online voting, the winning entry “Millie” was selected. Receiving almost half the votes cast, the winning entry was submitted by five-year-old Violet of Winston in honor of her twin sister Millie, who unexpectedly passed away earlier this year.

Kylee Stewart, Violet and Millie’s mother said, “Millie and Violet were inseparable. Although they were complete opposites, they shared a love of animals. When we came across the “Name Our K-9” contest, Violet knew she wanted to enter her sister’s name”.

K-9 Millie is certified through the Oregon Police Canine Association as a drug-detection dog. She and Senior Trooper Show are assigned to the Albany Patrol Office for drug-interdiction along Interstate 5 and throughout the state. As an ongoing tribute, OSP will recognize K-9 Millie’s seizures, when possible, with a special nod to the little girl who inspired her name.

OSP Superintendent Casey Codding said, “On behalf of myself and the entire Oregon State Police family, it is an honor to be part of this special memorial to Millie Melton”. Violet received a letter and certificate from Superintendent Codding, and an OSP uniform patch. She also received a Belgian Malinois plushie personalized with the OSP logo and the name “Millie” generously donated by Hero Industries.

Contest finalists included students in Roseburg, Creswell, Medford, North Bend and Prairie City.

An OSP YouTube video tells the story of Millie and her family. It is linked with this story at www.541radio.com:  Oregon State Police “Name Our K-9” Contest: Violet & Millie