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Board approves resolution transferring ownership of K9 Dash to his handler
Summary
Chief Smith detailed K9 Dash’s 8½ years of service and the department’s request to transfer custody to Corporal Matthew Jeslis under N.C. Gen. Stat. 17F‑21; the board adopted the resolution and recognized the handler and the canine’s community role.
Chief Smith presented K9 Dash’s service record and a formal resolution recommending transfer of custody to the handler, reading details into the record: Dash was acquired on 09/20/2017, served about 8½ years, responded to more than 360 incidents, completed over 940 training hours, assisted on 30+ external calls and contributed to narcotics seizures and community demonstrations.
Chief Smith read the resolution citing North Carolina General Statute 17F‑21, which allows a unit of local government to transfer ownership of a retired service animal to the officer who maintained custody during service. The resolution named Corporal Matthew Jeslis as the officer granted ownership and set the transfer price at $1, with retirement effective 03/09/2026.
Corporal Matthew Jeslis thanked the department and community for support and highlighted the partnership between handler and dog. In his remarks he noted the unseen benefits of a canine’s presence, saying officers sometimes avoid escalation when a canine is present.
Mayor William Harris called for a motion to adopt the resolution; the motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote. The board presented ceremonial awards and gifts to Dash and expressed appreciation for the program.
Why it matters: The action formalizes the transfer of a publicly owned service animal to the handler under state statute, preserves the animal’s welfare after retirement and recognizes the department’s canine program as a public safety and community outreach asset.
Provenance: Chief Smith’s presentation and the adopting motion and vote were recorded during the law enforcement retirement agenda item.
