Alexander K-9 unit retires

After nearly seven years, and multiple handlers, the Alexander Police Department's K-9 Leo is retiring. Police Chief Robert Burnett told council members seven to eight years is about the time police dogs retire.

Officer J. Lavrinc and Leo, Oct, 2022.

"I feel he's done his service," Burnett said. "I'd like to retire him."

But, Leo's not the only one retiring. Burnett announced K-9 Officer J. Lavrinc is also leaving.

"K-9 Officer Lavrinc has put his notice in to resign his duty due to serious medical problems ... that he will have to deal with," Burnett continued. "These dogs, they get attached and it's hard for a dog to part with a handler. With the council's permission I'd like to donate the dog to Lavrinc."

In a voice vote all council members approved donating Leo to former Officer Lavrinc.

Later in the meeting, Burnett told council members the K-9 unit will not be replaced allowing the department to use that funding for other purposes. Also, Burnett received permission to sell the K-9 vehicle and replace it with a standard equipped police car.