In May 2001, Robert H. Harding was appointed as Chief of Police of the Panama City Beach Police Department.  At that time, Chief Harding implemented a Mascot Program within the Department.  Several suggestions from officer were made concerning what type of mascot would be best for our environment. This ranged from a snake, a dog and even a bird.  It was the suggestion from a local attorney, Harry Harper that a cat would be the best choice as they posses very good people skills, are self cleaning and do not require daily walks outside.  With a cat being the logical choice, the next question was where do we find such an animal.  Of course the answer was clear without much discussion, the Bay County Humane Society.  It took only one visit to their facility and about 3 minutes and the choice was made.  The Panama City Beach Police Department was now the new home for a 6 month old female Main Coon, know as Shieba Chardonnay.  Shieba remained a loyal and dedicated member of the Department until her death in November 2009 as a result of cancer.

At the time it was the idea of our Investigative Secretary, Jessica Bruhmuller to look at the Alaqua Animal Refugee, a no-kill shelter located in Freeport Florida, for a suitable replacement.  Again it did not take long and the Department again became the home of Madison Grace, a very precocious 4 year old Calico "bobtail".  Like her predecessor, Madison spends most of her day doing exactly as she pleases, regardless of what your trying to accomplish, whether it be filing paperwork or conducting an interview, she's usually right in the middle.   Madison, like most felines, is self suffcient with only one minor detail, she likes to spend a little more time at the water fountain than we like.  Apparently someone has taught her to drink water from a coffee mug, which is kept adjacent to the water cooler and in proximity to an endless supply of cool water.

This program was started in hopes that other agencies follow thus assisting in the placement of homeless animals into an environment that nurtures them as well as the employees.