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Maplewood retires K9 Ronan; handler to assume ownership effective Nov. 1

Maplewood City Council · October 27, 2025

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Summary

The Maplewood City Council on Oct. 27 approved a resolution retiring K9 Ronan and an agreement transferring ownership to his handler, Sergeant Joe Demalling. City and police leadership praised Ronans service; the handler will transition to an administrative sergeant role and Ronan will retire to live with him.

Maplewood Oct. 27, 2025 The City Council approved two motions on Oct. 27 to retire K9 Ronan from city service and to authorize an ownership transfer agreement allowing Sergeant Joe Demalling to assume ownership of the retired canine. Both motions carried unanimously, and staff set Ronans retirement effective Nov. 1.

Chief (public safety) described the Maplewood K9 units role in policing and community connection and praised Ronans operational and public engagement work, noting he has helped track suspects, locate missing persons and detect narcotics and has built rapport with children and residents. The chief said, given Ronans age and the bond with his handler, the department will not reassign Ronan but will allow him to retire at home with Sergeant Demalling. Sergeant Demalling thanked the mayor, council and department colleagues and called Ronan a "dependable, driven partner."

Two motions were considered and passed by unanimous voice vote: (1) approval of the resolution pertaining to retirement and ownership of the Maplewood service canine Ronan; and (2) approval of an agreement for Sergeant Demalling to assume ownership of the retired canine. Council confirmed the retirement effective Nov. 1 and held a brief recognition ceremony and photos.

Speakers (selected)

- Chief (public safety), presenter. - Sergeant Joe Demalling, K9 handler (retirement honoree).

Authorities referenced

- Resolution pertaining to retirement and ownership of a city service canine (resolution approved by council).

Provenance

- topicintro: transcript excerpt at 08:31 where the chief opens the K9 recognition: "Ronan's pretty excited about retirement." - topfinish: transcript excerpt at 15:19 where the council approves the ownership agreement: "Aye. That motion carries. Ronan, you are retired effective November 1."