Caldwell County approves retirement, $1 sale of two sheriff's K‑9s to their handlers

The Caldwell County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on March 10, 2025, to retire two Caldwell County Sheriff's Office K‑9s — Poncho and Angie — and to authorize the animals’ handlers to purchase them for $1 each under state law.

The board read and adopted resolutions that state each handler agreed to assume custody, liability and responsibility for the animal for the remainder of its life. The resolutions cite North Carolina General Statute 160A‑266(d) as authority for disposing of county personal property.

Captain Derek Filiol and other sheriff's-office personnel were present as the board considered both resolutions. The record shows the board approved the purchase of K‑9 Poncho by Corporal Matthew January and the purchase of K‑9 Angie by Corporal Chase Bowman, each effective March 10, 2025. Commissioners approved both resolutions by voice vote; the minutes record the motions carried unanimously.

County members and staff thanked the handlers and the animals for their service. During remarks after the Angie resolution, the meeting record indicates a law-enforcement speaker described the K‑9 program’s operational impact, citing narcotics seizures “a little over $14,000,000” attributed to the unit’s work.

No changes to county policy were recorded; the board used the statutory disposal authority to transfer the animals to their handlers under the $1 purchase terms.

The meeting proceeded immediately to other agenda items following the two retirements.

Ending: The retirements and $1 transfers were recorded in the meeting minutes; the board's action does not create new county obligations because the handlers assume long-term care and liability.