City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Daniel Sauer, Chief of Police
Date: 05/24/2024
Subject: K-9 Vitus Retirement & Adoption
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Accept the recommendation to retire Vitus, Police Drug Detection/Apprehension/Tracking K-9, on May 28, 2024 and allow for the adoption of Vitus by his handler, Officer Matthew Belaski and approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Adoption Agreement with Officer Matthew Belaski.
BACKGROUND:
There is currently two Police K-9 dogs in service with the Ripon Police Department - Police K-9 (Argos) that is active and assigned to Officer Kyle Prather and Police K-9 (Vitus) that is active and assigned to Officer Matthew Belaski.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Vitus has been a member of the Ripon Police Department since December of 2019. After receiving a donation to purchase Vitus, he was assigned to his handler, Officer Matthew Belaski.
The two have spent approximately 40,000 hours together at home and as patrol partners. Vitus has had a long and distinguished career as a police protection and narcotics dog. Vitus has reached an age where his health is beginning to decline and he is slowing down. His ability to continue to do police work at an acceptable level is coming to an end and it is my recommendation he be retired from service upon the resignation of his handler. Officer Belaski submitted his letter of resignation effective May 28, 2024.
Vitus is estimated to have 9-16 months of service life left. With such a short service life and the resignation of Officer Belaski, it does not make sense to dedicate the resources necessary to train the dog with a new handler. The training and acclimation of a K-9 with a new handler is 6 months. Therefore, the police department is planning to purchase another Police K-9 to replace Vitus.
Staff has prepared an Adoption Agreement that is attached to this staff report. The Agreement was prepared with the assistance of the City Attorney, POST standards, and the City’s risk management association. With this Agreement, Officer Matthew Belaski would assume responsibility for any and all other associated care and fees required by Vitus.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City would no longer pay for the annual care and maintenance associated with Vitus (approximately $5,765) until such time another K-9 is purchased.
Attachments:
1. 05 24 24 K9 Adoption Agreement