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Arlington Heights board approves ordinances transferring two retiring police K-9s to their handlers
Summary
The Arlington Heights Village Board approved ordinances allowing transfer of two retiring police dogs — Yara and Argos — to their handlers under state law and recognized a newly appointed K‑9, Maui, at its June 2 meeting.
The Arlington Heights Village Board on June 2 approved two ordinances to transfer ownership of retiring Arlington Heights Police Department K-9s Yara and Argos to their handlers and introduced newly appointed K-9 Maui.
The transfers were carried out under the Illinois Police Dog Retirement Act, presented to the board by Police Chief Nick Pecora. Chief Pecora described Yara and Argos’ service records and asked the board to approve agreements that formalize transfer of ownership to their respective handlers. "Yara was deployed in over 220 requests for police canine service ... and assisted in locating several million dollars in narcotics and drug related currency," Chief Pecora said. He also noted Argos’ role in locating firearms and assisting in seizures of more than $500,000 in drug-related currency.
The board approved a single motion to accept both ordinances. Trustee Lebeds moved to approve "the ordinance as written to transfer ownership of Yara and Argos;" Trustee Shirley seconded. A roll-call vote recorded all members present voting in favor and the motion carried. After the vote Chief Pecora and the board presented shadow boxes and recognition to the handlers. Sergeant Jeff Tegmayer spoke briefly about his nearly decade-long partnership with Yara: "It's truly been a blessing that few people get to experience." Officer Mike Butler, Argos’ handler, also addressed the board before his retirement tomorrow and said he looked forward to Argos’ retirement.
The board then recognized K-9 Maui and swore in the dog and handler Steven Denov. Chief Pecora described Maui as a two-year-old Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix imported from the Netherlands and noted that Maui and Officer Denov will graduate from state K-9 certification on June 13. "Serving as a K‑9 handler is a demanding job requiring dedication and hard work," Chief Pecora said. The ceremony included the administering of an oath and presentation of a canine star to Maui.
Discussion and next steps: the ordinances executed at the meeting complete the local requirement for transfer of ownership under state law; the retirements take effect as handlers assume ownership and the new K-9 will complete certification on June 13.
The board’s action was procedural: it approved the written transfer agreements and celebrated the handlers’ service and the new canine’s appointment.
