Joan Plummer Russell

Background

Joan Plummer Russell was born on February 24, 1930. She is the daughter of Thomas F. Plummer and Sibyl Fahnestock Plummer.

Education

Joan Russell graduated from Chevy Chase Junior College in 1950. She went through a ten-week course at her local Citizens Police Academy.

Career

Joan Russell worked as a member of the Pastoral Care Team at St. Alexis Hospital. During her studies at Police Academy, on patrol, she met Corporal Mike Matsik and his handsome K9 partner, Aero. Matsik invited her to ride on several patrols with him. Russell was fascinated with what this team could do. She asked Corporal if he was interested in working on a book with her. He did not hesitate, but said, "If the Chief okays it, yes." The Chief of Police immediately permitted to ride with Mike Matsik for two shifts a month for two years as Joan Russell collected dozens of photos and many taped conversations. Boyds Mills Press published the book. Matsik and Russell were often asked to give talks locally in libraries and schools, and of course, Aero let kids pet him. Joan Russell aimed to show that K9s are not aggressive biting dogs unless you are the bad guy. They are gentle pets who love to have their tummy scratched when they are not on duty. She did get her book approved by the local Law Department before submitting it for publication.

Achievements

• Joan Russell devoted the majority of life to her children. She has several books published.

Works

More photos

• book

  • Trust Your Dog: Police, Firefighters, and Military Officers Talk About Their K-9 Partners

    (Partnerships between men and dogs are legendary, and the ...)

    2013
  • Aero and Officer Mike: Police Partners

    (A true partnership is a rare thing. Yet for Corporal Mike...)

    2001

Politics

Joan Russell supports Conservative Party views.

Membership

• Joan Russell is an associate member of the Police Writers Association.

  Police Writers Association , United States

• 

  Police Canine Association , United States

• Shaker Heights Citizens Police Association , United States

Connections

Joan Plummer married Robert M. V. Russell, who worked in sales, in 1952. They have nine children: Mary-Sibyl, Virginia, Sheridan, Beth, Margy, Kate, Rob, John, and Tom.

Father:

Thomas F. Plummer

Mother:

Sibyl Fahnestock Plummer

husband:

Robert M. V. Russell

Daughter:

Mary-Sibyl Russell

Daughter:

Virginia Russell

Daughter:

Sheridan Russell

Daughter:

Beth Russell

Daughter:

Margy Russell

Daughter:

Kate Russell

Son:

Rob Russell

Son:

John Russell

Son:

Tom Russell