Mayor Jim Curd, left, wishes a happy retirement to Bartlesville Police Department K-9 Baron, who is with his handler Cpl. Cody Loyd.
K-9 Baron, 12, will enjoy his retirement years with K9 Hero Haven, a Pennsylvania nonprofit that provides working dogs a place to retire, thanks to a vote of the City Council on Monday.
“Baron has faithfully served the community, our department, and his police officer handlers for many years,” said Deputy Chief of Police Troy Newell. “Baron has reached the age of 12, placing him above the age range of 8-10 years of average effective service to the police industry. Baron’s physical abilities have diminished noticeably, and his abilities as an effective police asset will continue to decrease as he continues to age.”
Permission for Baron to be adopted to K9 Hero Haven was required because he is considered surplus property. It has been the past practice of the department to allow the police officer handler to adopt their retired K-9 partner; however, in this case, the handler was unable to keep Baron. Oklahoma Statute Title 70 3311:9B also allows for the department to provide for the dog’s adoption, so the department will adopt out Baron to K9 Hero Haven.