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Honoring a Legacy
Community members attended the grand opening of the Officer Jordan H. Sheldon Memorial Dog Park on June 5.
K9 Officer Jordan H. Sheldon Memorial Dog Park opens in Mooresville Every community has a few shining stars … citizens who are known for their contributions in supporting and uplifting with purpose and perseverance. K9 Officer Jordan Harris Sheldon was one of those people. After losing Officer Sheldon during a routine traffic stop in 2019, thousands of officers from around the country lined the streets, paying their respects and promising that his death would not be in vain. The town of Mooresville and the surrounding Lake Norman community have united once again to honor his legacy in a very special way. On June 5, the town of Mooresville celebrated the grand opening of the Officer Jordan H. Sheldon Memorial Dog Park, located at 247 Cornelius Road in Mooresville. His brother Carson Ledford shares that “Dogs were always a part of Jordan’s love and life and he loved being a K9 officer.” The park will create a permanent place in the community where his passion can be remembered and celebrated. It allows fellow K9 officers to utilize the state-of-the-art outdoor training facility, which includes an agility course. The space is not merely for officers. It was built as an outdoor oasis meant to be enjoyed by all dogs and dog lovers. The dog-appropriate fenced in areas have dog watering stations and shaded “paw”-vilions, for year round enjoyment. A number of local businesses and community partners have contributed with dona-
by Lara Tumer photography by Lisa Crates
tions in support, allowing for the building and development of the park over the past year. In addition to the memorial park, Sheldon’s K9s was also born from the loss of the officer. The organization champions the most important cause to Jordan, his beloved K9 partners. The program’s efforts include a retirement program that helps provide funds for retired K9 dogs that are no longer funded by the police department as well as an equipment program, which ensures that more dogs are given the appropriate equipment for their work in the field such as ball launchers, bullet proof K9 vests, and additional training tools. Donations can be made on the organization’s website or Facebook page. Ledford says, “The retirement program embodies what Jordan would be most proud of. He really felt that these dogs deserve to enjoy retirement.” Not many people can be called a true hero, but as more and more stories are shared about Officer Jordan Sheldon and what he stood for, it’s obvious he was the real deal. It is for this reason that “everything in his name has been service oriented”—a true testament to who he was. To learn more about Sheldon’s K-9s, visit sheldonsk9s.org. Officer Jordan H. Sheldon Memorial Dog Park, 247 Cornelius Road, Mooresville www.LNCurrents.com | JULY 2021
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