Report Prepared by: Tonya Mora, Management Analyst, Police Department
Title
SUBJECT: Approval and Authorization for the City Manager to Execute Agreements Regarding Police Canines; Sam, Stas, and Tank; and their Respective Handlers to Transfer Liability and Ownership and Accept these Retired Canines as Pets
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute agreements regarding Police Canines; Sam, Stas, and Tank; and their Respective Handlers to Transfer Liability and Ownership and accept these retired Police Canines as pets.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Declaring police canines Sam, Stas and Tank as police service animals that have fulfilled their law enforcement purpose and allowing their handlers to purchase at a cost of $1.00 (one dollar); and,
B. Approving transfer of ownership and liability for retired police canines to Angela Henke (K9 Sam), Tevon Prevostini (K9 Stas) and William McComb (K9 Tank); and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager or Deputy City Manager to execute the necessary documents; and,
D. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make the necessary budget adjustments.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommend by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended by Staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to Staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting.
AUTHORITY
Section 3.04.370 of Merced City Charter
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2023-2024 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
For the last several years, the Merced Police Department K9 Unit has consisted of four canines trained in the areas of police protection, apprehension, and detection (bomb, narcotics, and firearms.) Three of these police canines are declining in health and are no longer able to safely and effectively perform the essential duties and functions of a police canine officer. These dogs were remanded to their handlers and removed from active service in January 2023.
Canine “Sam” has been with the Merced Police Department since January of 2017. “Sam” has served the city for five (5) years. “Sam” was born in July of 2014 and was 8.5 years old as of January 2023. “Sam” has had a long and distinguished career as a police protection and narcotics dog. His ability to continue to do police work at an acceptable level no longer exists, and it is recommended he be retired from service.
Canine “Stas” has been with the Merced Police Department since August of 2019. “Stas” has served the city for four (4) years. “Stas” was born in June of 2018 and is five (5) years old as of June 2023. “Stas” was named in dedication to Deputy Mark Stasyuk who was killed in the line of duty on September 17th, 2018. Officer Tevon Prevostini and Deputy Stasyuk were close friends. “Stas” has had a distinguished career as a police protection and firearm detection canine. His ability to continue to do police work at an acceptable level no longer exists, and it is recommended he be retired from service.
Canine “Tank” has been with the Merced Police Department since January of 2017. “Tank” has served the city for six (6) years. “Tank” was born in July of 2014 and nine (9) years old as of July 2023. “Tank” has had a long and distinguished career as a police protection and firearm detection canine. “Tank” has reached an age where his health has declined, and he is slowing down. His ability to continue to do police work at an acceptable level no longer exists, and it is recommended he be retired from service.
In the past, due to the extensive training of these canines in handler protection and bite work, the option to adopt a retired police canine has been given to the assigned handler or other law enforcement personnel at a cost of $1.00 (one dollar.)
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No impact.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Transfer Contract Agreement for K9 Sam
2. Transfer Contract Agreement for K9 Stas
3. Transfer Contract Agreement for K9 Tank