Axel earns Medal of Valor medal from American Legion Post 510

American Legion #510 Vice Commander Paul Norton and Commander Hal Daniels presented LPD Canine Officer, Axel, the Medal of Valor today for his service in the military and in the Lawrence Community. Axel's handler and fellow LPD Officer Matt Hickey accepted the commendations on Axel's behalf. Norton said Axel was bred and whelped in the Netherlands and served two tours of duty in Afghanistan before accepting his assignment in the Lawrence Community. Since 2015, Axel has been deployed with Hickey and LPD as well as assuming duties with MSD of Lawrence Township Schools as a narcotics prevention officer. Hickey said LFD and MSDLT have partnered to keep Axel on duty in the schools and community for the last four years. "Prevention and public education efforts to keep our community safe have been important to our duties," said Hickey. In addition to the Medal of Valor for his service, the American Legion presented Axel with his Honorary Life Card & Membership, a commemorative promissory coin, and recognized him as Post 510's public relations officer. During the ceremony in the Public Assembly Room, LPD Chief David Hofmann thanked Hickey for his exemplary coordination and care of his canine partner.