*UPDATE February 6, 2016*
Retired Police Officer Matt Hickey will be reunited with his K9 partner Ajax after the Marietta Ohio Police Department found a way to arrange for him to purchase Ajax legally for $1.00.
Originally, the department proposed that Hickey work as an unpaid auxiliary officer in order to legally keep Ajax. But Hickey declined the position due to health issues. But after officials examined the Ohio state law’s definition of “canine unit”, they determined that the law says that if a “canine unit” is “disbanded,” a dog’s handler can purchase the animal for $1. Although that section of the code doesn’t define “canine unit” another code did and stated that “canine unit” means “a canine handler who shall be a sworn law enforcement officer and a canine.” This meant that Hickey and Ajax could be together.
And in another piece of good news, State Representative Andy Thompson told WTAP News that the state of Ohio will be updating House Bill 60 to ensure this situation does not occur again.
The wonderful news comes on the heels of a public outcry that the two not be separated. The $70,000 raised for Matt to bid on Ajax will go to an organization that purchases kevlar protective vests for K9s.
*Original Story below*
When Marietta Ohio Police Officer was set to retire, he planned on taking his K9 partner, Ajax, with him.
On the day he retired he offered to pay the city $3,500 for the dog but was heartbroken when he was told “no” and that Ajax would be put up for auction.
Officials told Matt Hickey they were going to auction off the six year old dog to the highest bidder. Anyone who is currently in, or retired from, law enforcement can bid on Ajax. People who train working dogs can also bid on the dog.
Matt is understandably upset and is scared that someone will outbid him at the auction. He created a GoFundMe page to raise funds for the auction and his supporters are rallying behind him.
One contributor, retired Officer Ronnie Fusco wrote: “When I retired I had to pay for my K9 partner. She was $1.00, because being “government” property they couldn’t just give her away…It’s very sad but was lucky …Officer Hickey should be afforded this same opportunity, at the very least ALL other bidders abstain.”
Matt’s GoFundMe has raised over $23,00 so far. All funds Matt does not use will go towards providing ballistic vests for K9 officers. There’s also an online petition to keep the pair together.
Let’s hope with the community rallying behind them, that Matt and Ajax will get to stay together!
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