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SALEM -- The Salem Police Department has announced the upcoming retirement of its two K-9 officers.
In a press release issued Wednesday evening, the department announced that K-9s Simon and Argo, who have served the department since 2016 and 2017, respectively, would be retiring from service early, with their official retirement date set to "be announced soon." According to the release, while both Simon and Argo are certified through 2025, they are among the approximately 300 police K-9s trained in the detection of marijuana that will be retiring from service following Ohio's recent legalization of cannabis for adult use.
Patrolmen Mike Garber and Steve LaRosa will continue to serve as the department's K9 handlers with the selection of Simon and Argo's successors currently slated "for late August," after which training will be conducted at the Vaness K9 Training Facility in Canton. Until their successors are fully trained and certified, Simon and Argo will continue serving the community.
The release noted that while the department is "hopeful the 135th General Assembly of the Ohio Legislature will provide funds for the replacement of marijuana-detecting police dogs and the associated costs through the passage of House Bill 396," it was founded, and funded entirely through community support and the units "next exciting chapter" will likewise depend on community support. Those interested in making contributions to help fund the cost of the two new police dogs and their required equipment can send a check to the Salem Community Foundation, P.O. Box 553 Salem, Ohio, 44460, with "Salem Police Department K9 Fund" in the memo line. All donations are tax deductible.
"The Salem K9 Unit was started entirely through donations from individuals, families, organizations and businesses, along with a generous grant from the Salem Community Foundation. We are incredibly grateful for our community partner's support and commitment as they helped establish and maintain the unit," read the release.