Finance Committee approves transfer of retired police K‑9 Rocco to handler

The City of Green Bay Finance Committee voted Jan. 27 to transfer retired police K‑9 Rocco to his handler, Officer Taylor Clark, approving a staff resolution that relinquishes the city’s ownership interest in the dog.

Committee members asked whether the handler would assume full responsibility and whether the city would retain any claim if the handler later gave up the dog. The chief (name not given) said the city is releasing ownership: "we're releasing all our ownership interest in the dog." Staff said the transfer documents do not currently require the handler to notify the city if the dog is later rehomed, but the committee discussed adding a notification clause to the agreement to help ensure appropriate rehoming.

Members also suggested recognizing Rocco at an upcoming council meeting. The committee approved the transfer by voice vote. No conditions or clawback were added to the motion as passed, though staff indicated they would consider adding a notification requirement to future agreements.

The action is administrative and directs staff to finalize the transfer paperwork consistent with the approved resolution; no further council action was recorded at the meeting.