Parma honors retiring K‑9 teams; council approves $1 sales to handlers

Parma Police honored two retiring K‑9 teams and Council adopted ordinances to transfer ownership of three departmental dogs to their handlers for $1 each.

During the Finance committee meeting the department recognized the retirements of Patrolman Jason Campana and K‑9 Max, and Patrolman Brian Bernau and K‑9 Benny, noting years of service and contributions to tracking, narcotics detection and community relations. The police presentation included meritorious service awards and retirement gift boxes for the teams. A department speaker said the teams "demonstrated dedication and commitment while performing many functions including tracking, searches, subject control, narcotics, detection, and community relations, which significantly contributed to the effectiveness of the Department... and the safety of the community they serve." The record includes service date ranges for the teams: Campana and Max (09/11/2016–05/2025) and Bernau and Benny (09/10/2018–05/05/2025).

Council later considered and adopted three ordinances authorizing the Director of Public Safety to enter into purchase agreements to sell K‑9 dogs to their handlers for the nominal price of $1: Ordinance 68‑25 (K‑9 Dexter), Ordinance 76‑25 (K‑9 Max), and Ordinance 77‑25 (K‑9 Benny). Each ordinance was presented for third reading and passage and adopted by roll call vote.

The committee presentation and ordinance records show the city plans to transfer ownership of the identified dogs to their handlers at the stated purchase price and to recognize the officers and their K‑9 partners for their service.