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Court hears plan for canine memorial and approves retirement and transfer of police canine Hannah
Summary
Constable Josh Burton proposed a wall memorial and plaques for retired Clay County canines; commissioners agreed to consider funding later. The court also approved the retirement and transfer of canine 'Hannah' to an individual named Josh Ferguson, voting 5-0.
Constable Josh Burton asked the court to consider placing a memorial wall and plaques to honor county law-enforcement canines. Burton outlined a concept to display a plaque for each retired canine with the dog's name, service dates and a photo; he cited plaque costs of about $60 to $120 each and estimated the county has had five retired canines to date.
Commissioners and other speakers welcomed the idea and volunteered to explore funding. Two individuals in the meeting offered to cover costs or accept donations; the court agreed the item would return on a future agenda for funding and placement decisions. The court stated it could not take funding action at the hearing and will put the item on the next agenda.
On a related item the court considered a request to retire canine "Hannah" from service with the constable's office and transfer her to Josh Ferguson. The court approved the retirement and transfer by general consent, 5-0. Commissioners and school staff praised the canines' community role; one speaker said the canines "are amazing" and that students "love them." The constable and other officials noted handler volunteers pay for food and vet care for canines.
Ending: The court approved Hannah's retirement and will schedule the memorial-plaque request for a future agenda to finalize funding and placement.
