Sedona Police Unleashes Adorable K-9 Sam Plushies for Sale

The Sedona Police Department is launching a fundraising initiative by selling $20 “Mini Sam” plushies, modeled after their black Labrador retriever K-9, Sam. Proceeds from these sales will enhance community demonstrations of the K-9 unit and provide further training for both Sam and his handler, Officer Catherine Beers.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of my role in Sedona is participating in drug arrests while also engaging with the community at events,” Beers shared. However, coordinating these public appearances involves considerable preparation, often extending her workday significantly. “An hour event can demand three to four hours of my day,” she explained, highlighting that the city can incur costs of several hundred dollars each time they participate in such outreach efforts.

The inspiration to create plush versions of Sam came during Beers’ training with Prescott Police Department Officer Kyle Alltop, who has had success selling plushies of his K-9, Cooper. Hero Industries manufactures the “Mini Sam” plushies, known for creating replicas of police dogs as well as other branded items like challenge coins and teddy bears.

Alltop reported having raised nearly $1,000 through his program over the past two years. Multiple agencies, including Chino Valley and the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association, have adopted similar fundraising strategies. “These plushies help break the ice with kids who may be apprehensive about law enforcement,” he noted. For some families, the stuffed toy has also become a comforting presence for children, reinforcing positive interactions with police.

Beers reinforced their mission: “Our primary goal is to remove dangerous drugs from the streets. Sam’s gentle nature allows us to also promote community engagement.” Since their certification in October 2023, Beers and Sam have participated in 38 deployments leading to arrests.

While specific details regarding narcotics seized during deployments remain confidential, SPD Sgt. Christopher Stevens stated that the information is documented with cooperating agencies, primarily focusing on small personal use amounts.

The Sedona Police Department began selling the plushies during its Community Outreach Event on October 5, where they sold between 50 and 60 units. Beers noted that the annual cost for maintaining K-9 Sam ranges from $6,000 to $10,000, funded through donations and grants, alongside contributions from the SPD’s general fund.

“The goal is to have Sam trained for narcotics detection as well as tracking and trailing, with the latter training costing approximately $10,000,” Beers elaborated. For now, there are no plans for a corresponding action figure of Beers herself.

“Mini Sams” can be purchased at the Sedona Police Department located at 100 Roadrunner Drive or directly from Beers at community events. Donations to support the SPD K-9 program are also accepted through Beers or at city hall.

“Any schools interested in hosting a demonstration just have to reach out,” Beers added. Interested parties can contact her at cbeers@sedonaaz.gov.