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McGruff sworn in as Lewes PD’s newest officer

Department hopes to take a bite out of crime
McGruff the Crime Dog is sworn in by Lewes Police Chief Thomas Spell. Shown are (l-r) City Manager Anne Marie Townshend, Spell, McGruff, and Mayor Ted Becker. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
May 3, 2022

There’s a new top dog pawtrolling the streets of Lewes. No need to yelp, Chief Thomas Spell is still the alpha, but you may notice him going for walks with the newest police officer on the furce – McGruff the Crime Dog.

McGruff joins the ranks after his services were secured by the Lewes Police Foundation. In his signature detective jacket, McGruff was sworn in by Spell at a very special ceremony April 26. The new recruit is excited to join the esteemed department and will be seen at marquee events in Lewes throughout the year such as the Rally for First Responders at Hudson Fields and sitting shotgun next to Spell in the annual Christmas parade. 

The Lewes Police Foundation, established by Daniel DeSimone and Jonathan Cherry, offers support for community relations initiatives like McGruff in addition to supplementing the department’s budget to help pay for training, equipment and technology. Follow them on Facebook for updates on crime’s toughest canine and his efforts to keep streets safe, take a bite out of crime, and hopefully earn a treat or two.

 

McGruff paws his signature making the partnership made possible by the Lewes Police Foundation a reality.
Chief Tom Spell shows off his newest K-9’s contract.
McGruff was convinced he got his own patrol car.
Chief Spell made sure someone was chaperoning the crime dog. Look for McGruff and Chief Spell to be side by side at a few events this year, like the Rally for Our First Responders at Hudson Fields.
McGruff and Chief Spell on patrol outside of the Henlopen Trading Co.
A few of McGruff’s civilian pals congratulated him on his new job.
Notting Hill Coffee Roastery didn’t have dog bone-flavored beans, but they did have water for the furry patrolman.
Uh-oh. We have a situation here. This car doesn’t seem to be parked right.
McGruff is analyzing what to do.
Making the right choice for the community, McGruff, Chief Spell, and Lewes Police Foundation’s Daniel DeSimone help load the flowers to resolve the issue.
Kindle co-owner Ian Crandall steps outside to chat with McGruff and Chief Spell before being complimented on his cuisine.
No need to worry folks! McGruff is just a good boy ... bribes are an absolute no go for this officer of the law.
The choices at Pups! overwhelmed McGruff during his first visit into the dog dedicated store.
Wrapping up his walk, er his patrol, McGruff gets a leaping hi-five for his efforts!

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Aaron Mushrush joined the sports team in Summer 2023 to help cover the emerging youth athletics scene in the Cape Region. After lettering in soccer and lacrosse at Sussex Tech, he played lacrosse at Division III Eastern University in St. David's, PA. Aaron coached lacrosse at Sussex Tech in 2009 and 2011. Post-collegiately, Mush played in the Eastern Shore Summer Lacrosse League for Blue Bird Tavern and Saltwater Lacrosse. He competed in several tournaments for the Shamrocks Lacrosse Club, which blossomed into the Maryland Lacrosse League (MDLL). Aaron interned at the Coastal Point before becoming assistant director at WMDT-TV 47 ABC in 2017 and eventually assignment editor in 2018. 

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