KANSAS CITY, MO (KCTV) -
This week's Faces of Kansas City takes viewers inside the Kansas City, MO, Police Department's Fleet Operations Unit.
The unit is where they maintain and repair the department's police cars and motorcycles. It's a dedicated group that works there, except for one guy who acts like sleeping and eating are the two most important aspects of the job.
It may be the ultimate man cave with flashing cop lights, wrenches being turned at every corner, guys working on cars and motorcycles 24/7. There's so much testosterone in the Fleet Operations Unit, they probably have a pit bull for a mascot…or maybe just Squeaks the cat.
"He doesn't really play a lot," said Mark Crawford with the KCPD Fleet Operations Unit. "He did sneak up on a cricket the other day, we also haven't seen any mice around here either."
Four years ago, the black and white cat started hanging around the garage. No one really paid him much attention until he needed their help.
"It got hit by a car and its jaw was messed up," Darrell Cooper said.
So the employees passed a hat and took up donations to pay for the stray's vet bills.
"After we got it back to health, it stuck around and became part of the family more or less," Cooper said.
As it turns out, Squeaks the cat may be helping those who helped him.
"They say a dog or a cat is a good therapy, so you know I enjoy when he comes up, petting on him and loving on him. So I think it's kind of healthy, I don't know, I love animals," Donna Riddle said.
Just about everyone in the Fleet Operations Unit has a soft spot for Squeaks, but they admit he does have a mean streak.
"We've had a few dogs wander in the back door, and the fight's on. He'll protect his territory because he knows he has a good thing here and nothing else is coming in," Crawford said.
"Doesn't he look skinny to you?" Riddle said to KCTV5's Brad Stephens. "I think we need some food for him."
Just so everyone is clear, no taxpayer dollars are used to keep Squeaks fat and happy. Workers at the fleet unit take up collections to provide for their feline friend.
Copyright 2012 KCTV (Meredith Corp.) All rights reserved.
