SPRINGFIELD — Meet the two new recruits of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Rodent Control Division.
Clark and County were likely dumped outside their substation office on East Main Street in May. Concerned about the kittens’ well-being, Sgt. Ralph Underwood said deputies started a collection and began putting food out.
“It’s more like the cats adopted us then we took them on,” Underwood said.
The two can often be seen scampering along the grounds. They routinely escort deputies to and from their cruisers — just to make sure it’s safe, Underwood said.
“They really didn’t have a place to stay and we really hated taking them into the Humane Society because this time of year they are already overwhelmed (with strays),” he added.
With winter on the way, reserve officer Jerry Powers used his carpentry skills to build the two an insulated cat house, which sits at the office’s back stoop.
The inside is carpeted and stuffed with blankets. It proclaims Clark and County as part of the Uniform Patrol in the Rodent Control Division.
“We joke about that they’re certified in mice and squirrels as rodents because they’ll bring their kills to us,” Underwood said. “The coroner’s office was just over and hasn’t verified the kill for us yet today.”
The bowls, food, house and Christmas lights that adorn it were paid for through private donations and provided off-the-clock.
Kristie West dropped off a bag of Meow Mix on Tuesday to help feed the cats through the winter.
“They’re adorable,” she said. “There’s a very caring group of men who work here and females as well that take care of the animals. The animals have a good home.”
Deputies are starting a collection to get the two cats spayed and neutered. Underwood said having the cats around is a morale-booster.
“We look at is as time to unwind. They give us a good feeling,” he said. “You know, we’re all human.”