MARK-9 is a non-profit organization set up to assist handlers with the financial needs of medical care for their retired K-9 partner. When working K-9s retire, they often live with their partner and their family. Very few departments have a program in place to care for the medical needs of these K-9s during retirement. All costs associated with the K-9’s is the responsibility of the Officer and his/her family.

The goal of MARK-9 (Medical Assistance for Retired K-9’s) is to provide financial assistance for the medical care of retired working dogs. As K-9s retire due to medical issues or age. Many handlers are inundated with sky rocketing veterinarian care, whether it be annual wellness care, an unexpected illness, or a medical emergency.

We are a 501(c)3 organization run by a team of volunteers. All donations are tax deductible to the full extend allowed by law.

We can be reached at:

560 W. Ogden Ave, Suite C
Lisle, Illinois 60532
Phone: (630) 301-2320
info@mark-9.org

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Alexis Newman, DVM, CVPP, EMT

President

Dr. Alexis Newman received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Iowa State University in 1998. Following veterinary school, she completed a Surgical and Emergency Internship at California Animal Hospital, in West Los Angeles. Dr. Newman has a special interest in police and working K-9s. She has worked with them for many years and understands the needs of the K-9, the handler, and police departments. Her passion of working with police dogs and their handlers, led to starting Partners and Paws Veterinary Services. Dr. Newman also works with sporting groups, rescue groups and ‘civilian’ dogs and cats. In addition to treating working dogs, Dr. Newman’s special interests include trauma, soft tissue surgery and pain management. She completed her certification from the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and, becoming a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner (CVPP) in Illinois. Dr. Newman has written also written a veterinary health column for the Police K-9 magazine since 2012, which is well known among K-9 handlers. She speaks regularly to local police and other K-9 groups as well as conducts first-aid classes for first responders.

Kurt Griffing

Vice-President

Kurt Griffing
Officer Kurt Griffing is currently assigned as the K9 Officer for the Rockdale Police Department with his Partner “Roxie,” a 5 year-old German Shepherd. Officer Griffing was the founding member of his departments K9 Division and received his assignment in March of 2018. Officer Griffing also serves as a Field Training Officer and the Union President. Before becoming the K9 Officer, he served as a plain clothes member of the Will County Gang Suppression Unit. Officer Griffing began his law enforcement career in 2015 and received his training at the Police Training Institute located within the University of Illinois Campus in Champaign, Illinois. Officer Griffing also volunteers his time with the Illinois Special Olympics.

Mike McDevitt

Secretary

Mike McDevitt

Firefighter/Paramedic Michael McDevitt from the North Aurora Fire Protection District is paired with “Talon,” a 5 year-old German Shepherd, this unique pair is assigned to the Illinois Urban Search and Rescue Team, IL-TF1. Talon is trained as a live find disaster recovery K9 as well as tracking and article recovery. Michael has been with the fire department since 2006 and began working Talon in January of 2018.

Jim King

Treasurer

Jim KIng

Jim is the owner of Wheaton Website Services, a global website design, development and hosting company.  He serves as the IT Coordinator for several dog focused non-profits in the Midwest. Jim and his wife Nickey have been proud owners of rescued Golden Retrievers for more than 20 years. In his spare time, he enjoys woodworking and his grandson Mason.

Beckie Maday

Director

Beckie Maday

Officer Beckie Maday is one of the K9 officers for the Stickney Police Department with her partner K9 Ali, a German Shepard. She started as an officer in 2018 and became the first female K9 officer at the department in 2022. K9 Ali is trained in tracking, articles, narcotics, and apprehension. Officer Maday received her training at the Chicago Police Academy and currently trains with K9 Ali at Full Circle K9. Ofc Maday also volunteers her time with her sorority as a Chapter Advisor for Alpha Phi.

Coordinators

Marketing – Cindy Keating
Social Media – Anjali Antani