Board unanimously approves transfer of retiring sheriff K‑9 'Ralph' to handler
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Summary
The board approved a unanimous roll-call transfer of ownership of the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office K‑9 "Ralph" to his handler, Deputy Drummond, citing the dog's medical condition and the handler's willingness to provide care.
The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in a formal roll-call to transfer ownership of retiring sheriff K‑9 "Ralph" to his handler, Deputy Drummond. The clerk reported one speaker in favor; Lori Barone thanked Deputy Drummond and Ralph for their service and called the transfer both "compassionate and appropriate."
Supervisor Stewart moved approval; the motion passed on a roll call: "Aye" from each supervisor. Chairman Galvin announced that the motion passed 5–0 by roll call. The transfer follows departmental protocols for retiring service animals with medical limitations and authorizes Ralph’s handler to assume ownership and care.
Why this matters: The action formalizes retirement and care for a service animal that can no longer safely perform field duties and demonstrates the county’s practice of allowing handlers to adopt K‑9s who retire from active service.