Award-winning Channel 10 Leadership recipient, McGruff, the Crime Dog ®, lives in the Police Storefront in the Rancho Bernardo library and is barking for help. He needs more little friends to talk to. He’s got a lot to talk to them about, too.

McGruff talks to children about "stranger / danger" - how to react to someone who may approach the kids that they do not know. He teaches them about 9-1-1 and how to use it and not abuse it. He teaches them about bicycle safety and the rules to follow. He wants them to know that the policeman is their friend; to be alert and report things they don’t think are right to a policeman, an adult, parents, or teachers.

He stresses the importance of saying "NO to strangers," and the danger of fire and playing with matches and to stay away from guns. It is so important that the children are given this guidance and this information at a young age while they are so impressionable. It will make them better citizens (ready to help others) and prevent them from becoming victims as they grow up.

McGruff says "I need more to do. I need more kids to help." Call him at the Police Storefront at 538-8146. He’ll be glad to come to your school, pre-school, church or synagogue, play school, safety fair, community picnics, or any other place where children hang out.

The McGruff team is growing. Now there are five: Merv Adams, Stan Gingold, Lola Bellinger, Toni Edberg and Dick Hooper. They 'put on the dog’ whenever asked.

Just look what our furry hero has been up to. Since the team was started in 1994, it has educated and delighted over 38,000 children, received an Appreciation Certificate and a donation of colorful goody bags from the Rancho Bernardo Community Council, as well as the prestigious Channel 10 Leadership Award and a certificate of Recognition from the California Legislature Assembly signed by Susan Davis. And, for the past three years, McGruff has averaged four to five appearances a month. It’s a little slow right now, so call him at 538-8146 if your children’s group needs a visit.

And what do the McGruff team members say? "We love what we’re doing, so bring on the kids!"