DOVER — On Tuesday, March 26th, Dover Police Chief Delaney and the Dover Police Department hosted a Coffee with a Cop event at the Dover Free Public Library. During the gathering, Police Officer Louis P. Sperry introduced Officer Artie, the new mascot representing the Dover Police Department.
Officer Artie was named in honor of Police Officer Arthur J. Ohlsen III, who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on December 30, 2003. Officer Ohlsen served the Town of Dover for 19 years, fulfilling roles as a Police Officer, Detective, and K-9 Officer. His unwavering dedication to public service and exemplary character epitomizes the values of the department.
Wearing Badge #1, Officer Artie pays homage to Police Officer Thomas DeShazo, who met his end while providing a motorcycle escort to the Lindbergh family on May 22, 1930. Officer DeShazo’s selflessness in prioritizing the safety of others over his own exemplifies bravery and strength, traits now embodied in Officer Artie’s character.
The Officer Artie program stemmed from a prior Coffee with a Cop event, where Police Officer Sperry, Librarian Timothy Domenick, and artists Fernando Ruiz and Michael Kraeger collaborated to bring Officer Artie to life.
The department hopes that Officer Artie will be embraced by the community, and they eagerly anticipate showcasing him in various engagements in the future.
