City Council
259 N. Wilma Avenue
Ripon, CA 95366
MEMO
To: Honorable City Council
From: Daniel Sauer, Chief of Police
Date: 10/14/2025
Subject: K-9 Argos Retirement and Adoption
RECOMMENDATION:
Accept the recommendation to retire Argos, Police Drug Detection/Apprehension/Tracking K-9, on October 15, 2025 and allow for the adoption of Argos by his handler, Officer Kyle Prather.
Approve and authorize the Mayor to sign the Adoption Agreement with Officer Kyle Prather.
BACKGROUND:
Argos has been a member of the Ripon Police Department since December of 2020. After receiving a donation to purchase Argos, he was assigned to his handler, Officer Kyle Prather.
The two have spent approximately 44,000 hours together at home and as patrol partners. Argos has had a long and distinguished career as a police protection and narcotics dog. ‘‘Argos’’ has reached an age where his health is declining and his body will not tolerate active duty. His ability to continue to do police work at an acceptable level has come to an end and it is Ripon Veterinary Hospital's recommendation he be retired from service.
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
Staff has prepared an Adoption Agreement that is attached to this staff report. The Agreement was prepared using the Peace Officer Standards and Standard Training (POST) guidelines and the City’s risk management input. With this Agreement, Officer Kyle Prather would assume responsibility for any and all other associated care, liability, and expenses associated with Argos.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City would no longer pay for the annual care and maintenance associated with Argos (approximately $5,800) until such time another K-9 is purchased.
Attachments:
1. K9 Argos Adoption Agreement