Columbiana proclaims ‘Canine Soudi Day,’ approves sale of retired K‑9 to handler for $1

Columbiana City Council proclaimed Sept. 16, 2025, as “Canine Soudi Day” to honor a police K‑9 that the city says served in patrols, high‑risk deployments and regional responses. The council also approved a motion allowing the handler to purchase the retired dog from the city for $1.

The proclamation, read during the council’s Sept. 16 meeting, described the K‑9’s service record, noting training at the Ohio State Highway Patrol Canine Academy and deployments with the Columbiana County special response team and drug‑task collaborations. The proclamation said the dog — identified in council remarks as Soudi — entered service in March 2018 and was credited in the text with seizures and detections the city summarized during the ceremony.

Patrolman Brian Grangey, identified in remarks as the dog’s handler, indicated he intended to purchase the animal. When asked if he wanted to buy the retired canine, Grangey said, “I would.”

Council President Skip Liston and Mayor Rick Noel joined council members in a unanimous recorded vote to allow the purchase and to issue the proclamation; council members later paused for a public photo opportunity.

The council’s motion to permit the $1 sale was made and seconded during the meeting; members announced affirmative responses during the roll call. The city clerk noted the city has a receipt on file documenting the transfer.

The proclamation and transfer were ceremonial and ministerial actions to complete the dog’s retirement and transfer to its handler. No additional city policy changes were requested or enacted at the meeting.

The council adjourned following routine business.