The problems with bureaucracy is that it cannot anticipate every eventuality. This isn’t anybody’s fault and the department is trying to do the right thing. But a little planning at the outset, might have prevented the scrambling at the end.

Matthew Hickey is an old wore out harness bull whose time has come.  He has decided to “pull the pin” and retire.  There is only one problem, Officer Hickey has a partner who is in his prime and not ready to retire. Ajax is a German Shepard and is Hickey’s K-9 partner.

If Ajax was ready to retire then Hickey could buy him from the department for a dollar.  No auction, no bidding war and no question. But it’s Hickey who is retiring and if Ajax is reassigned to another handler, Hickey will forfeit his ability to buy Ajax when it is his turn to retire.

In order for the City to release Ajax they have to put him up for auction, just like they would a police car, an obsolete computer, or any other equipment.  That means Ajax will be the subject of competitive bidding.  Officer Hickey is raising funds to ensure he prevails at the auction. Good Luck.

There is a story that made the rounds of the narcotics task forces in Texas.  A Commander found himself in a similar situation.  A detector K-9 was ready to retire, his hips were giving out and he had worked seven years.  The K-9 was purchased with both State and Federal grant funds.  The Commander wanted to give the dog to the handler who wanted the dog. Grant rules said that surplus property was to be auctioned.

The Commander called Austin seeking guidance. He told the story to his normal contact and received an immediate verdict.  There were only two methods available to dispose of the dog (1) Public auction or (2) immediate destruction. The contact expressed a concern for the health and well being of the family. The dog already shared their home for seven years. He recommended destruction.

The Commander thanked his contact and set about drafting a press release, a copy of which he sent to Austin.  The press release announced that in recognition of seven years of faithful service the task force was announcing the retirement of their narcotics K-9.  In keeping with the recommendation of So and So at the Governor’s Office the dog was to be taken out and killed immediately.

Austin was calling before the fax transmission report fell in the tray. Rico lived to a ripe old age with his handler.