Detective Lt. Adam Ray of the Iron Mountain Police Department with K-9 partner Falcon and Judy Sielaff, Golden K chairperson.

KINGSFORD — As the Golden K gathered, this month’s leader Judy Sielaff called the group to order. Dan Pedo led the members in singing, choosing several fun Christmas songs. You could feel the joy in the entire group as they sang “Frosty the Snowman,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” and “Jingle Bells.”

The group welcomed back member Don Pedo. They also sang the birthday song to Bob Bauman and anniversary song for Kathy and Joe Anderson.

Joe Santini, who is also a member of the local Paisano Club, announced they donated $350 to the Golden K to be used for the children special events.

Members also shared their concerns about several members who are ill.

Ben Determan presented “Happy Dollars,” as Pedo was happy to see Uncle Don out and about and glad the Packers and Lions won. Determan congratulated his son-in-law, Dr. Henke, who retired on Monday. Sandy Soltis was just glad to see the sunshine.

Bill Roberts discussed the upcoming Christmas Party for children with special needs Monday at First Presbyterian Church in Kingsford. Members need to be at the hall for set up by 9 a.m. Sielaff asked for an updated information from all members, as she will be making a new contact list.

Guest speaker was Iron Mountain Police Detective Lt. Adam Ray, along with K-9 partner Falcon. Ray is a 1996 graduate of Kingsford High School and has been a police officer for 15 years. He became a K-9 handler eight years ago.

The department was able to raise the funds for this service dog with no expense to the city.

Two years ago, Ray was the Iron Mountain School District resource office, which he loved, but recently was promoted to deputy detective lieutenant with a goal to be assistant chief.

The group had a chance to meet Falcon as he randomly went from member to member, greeting them.

He is a friendly 9-year-old Belgian Shepherd trained to recognize the odor of five different narcotics and is a passive alert dog trained in tracking and apprehension. Falcon has never bitten anyone but has found a lot of narcotics.

Falcon will be retiring due to Ray’s promotion. IMPD will not be getting another K-9; however, several other local agencies do have K-9s and will respond if needed.

The group closed in thanking Ray and all police officers for the work they do.

The Golden K will host the Christmas party for special needs children Monday.