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Evart reviews part-time K‑9 program after handler leaves; Chief declines to give recommendation
Summary
Council reviewed the K‑9 program established in 2023 (K‑9 Koda and handler Officer Hyden) and discussed operational effectiveness, financial impact, and community value after Officer Hyden accepted a full‑time job elsewhere in December 2025; Chief John Beam supplied tracked costs and training records but said he could not provide an unbiased recommendation due to a personal connection.
Council reviewed the history and recent performance of the city's K‑9 program as part of a planned evaluation. The minutes say the city approved purchase of K‑9 Koda in 2023 and that Officer Hyden completed a four‑week handler certification program; in December 2025 Hyden accepted a full‑time position elsewhere but remained part‑time with the Evart Police Department. The program continued as a part‑time resource while the city tracked expenditures, callouts, and training activities.
Police Chief John Beam provided the list of tracked expenditures, callouts, and training activities to inform the evaluation; the minutes note that because of Chief Beam's personal connection to the program he could not give an unbiased recommendation. The record also states the Osceola County Sheriff's Department recently added another K‑9 to its patrol roster and expects to add two more within six months. Council kept the program as a part‑time resource with a plan to revisit the matter after the evaluation period.
