Commissioners approve K9 retirement transfer to deputy

County counsel summarized a transfer agreement for a retiring sheriff’s K9, explaining Deputy Rusher sought to keep K9 Karma after retirement and the agreement would transfer the county's interest while holding the county harmless for future incidents.

Greg summarized the arrangement: "Deputy Rusher had a K9 partner Karma. K9 Karma is being retired. Deputy Rusher would like to keep K9 Karma." Commissioners voted to approve the retirement-transfer agreement and signed the document. One commissioner later asked whether the deputy could seek reimbursement for food and shelter costs incurred since leaving the sheriff’s office in July; the board directed the deputy to inquire with the sheriff’s office for guidance.

The transfer formalizes custody of the retired K9 and includes hold-harmless language for the county.