McGruff: And the Man Behind the Dog

The Social Network Show welcomes the National Crime Prevention Council Series with Co-host Michelle Boykins, Senior Director of Communications and her guest, Stephen Parker to the February 12, 2015 episode.

Stephen Parker, a retired Sergeant from the Des Moines County Sheriff's Department and costume portrayer and voice of the well known, McGruff the Crime Dog, tells some wonderful stories about portraying McGruff at schools, parades, and other events including ringing the closing bell at Nasdaq. Mr. Parker tells us why we all need to be involved with crime prevention and McGruff makes a short appearance on the show to give us some important safety tips.

Stephen Parker became a voice of McGruff in 2006 after a nationwide contest. Since then he has voiced the iconic character in a number of public service advertising spots for the National Crime Prevention Council. Steve retired a few years ago from his full-time job with the at Des Moines County Sheriff's Department where he served for more than 35 years. Steve has made more than 6,000 appearances over the course of 33 years, at parades, festivals, schools, nursing homes, safety events and even does shows on Internet Safety. Steve has received many over the years such as the State of Iowa Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year, the George Sutherland Award, the “Honorary Kentucky Colonel” award, and the National Enrique and the Camerena Drug Education award. In addition, he is a conductor for the FT. Madison Farmington Western railroad, part-owner/operator of Mr. Frostee, and comedian/ ventriloquist.

Learn more about McGruff The Crime Dog at his website, the National Crime Prevention Council