Sgt. Josh Nelson stands next to the Japanese Cherry Tree that was planted in honor of his K9, Spike, who died in December. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

BY SHERI TRUSTY

PORT CLINTON – On April 25, a crowd gathered at Adams Street Park to celebrate Arbor Day. The event, hosted by the City of Port Clinton Tree Commission and led by Tree Commission Chairman Larry Holman, honored the city’s distinguished designation as a Tree City USA since 1989 and celebrated the beauty that trees bring to a town’s landscape. Although this was the 36th year that Port Clinton has celebrated Arbor Day, this year was especially poignant.

The event also honored the life of K-9 Spike, who served Port Clinton along with his handler, Sgt. Josh Nelson, from 2011 to 2022. Spike died from complications of a tumor on Dec. 28, 2024. Members of Port Clinton Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 79 joined with the City of Port Clinton and the Tree Commission to dedicate a newly planted Royal Burgundy Japanese Cherry Tree to Spike.

Members of the Port Clinton Police Department attended the April 25 Arbor Day Ceremony to honor late K9 Spike, who died in December. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

“Spike never ceased to amaze me in the things he did in his whole career,” Nelson said.

Port Clinton Police Department Detective, Devin Woods, gave a memorial dedication speech in Spike’s honor.

“Over K9 Spike’s career, he greatly impacted the community he served,” Woods said. “At the direction of Sgt. Nelson, K9 Spike successfully made over 270 narcotic seizures, 56 of those seizures being dangerous felony drugs.”

Port Clinton Police K9 Officer Amy Pugh stands with Tree Commission Chairman Larry Holman and K9 Aldo Rose, on Arbor Day. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

Woods said that, despite Spike’s “ability to sniff out crime and arrest bad guys,” he enjoyed public

demonstrations and the attention of children. Spike connected with over 5,000 children and their families during his long career.

Nelson was overwhelmed by the ceremony, which included the help of Boy Scout Troop 361.

“It meant quite a bit,” Nelson said. “Spike loved town, he loved people, and he loved kids most of all.”

Six-year-old Adrian Metodiev is all smiles as he holds a gift certificate from Saucey Slices Pizzeria that he won on Arbor Day. (Photo by Sheri Trusty)

The community supported Port Clinton’s Arbor Day celebration. The Japanese Cherry Tree and a Silver Linden Tree, which was also planted, were donated by Port Clinton Elks Lodge #1718. Coffee Express donated hot chocolate, and Saucey Slices Pizzeria donated gift cards for the Boy Scouts. Port Clinton Councilman at Large, Jerry Tarolli, and Tree Commission member, Roger Domokos, donated cookies.

The Port Clinton Tree Commission includes Holman, Tarolli, Domokos, Ed Urban and Lisa Bodi.