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File #: 2026-0321    Version: 1 Name:
Type: Resolution Status: Consent
File created: 2/4/2026 In control: Board of Commissioners
On agenda: 2/26/2026 Final action:
Title: Commission District(s): All Commission Districts Canine Retirement - Official Retirement of K-9 Argo to His Handler

                                    

Public Hearing:  YES      NO                                                   Department: Police Services                                     

 

SUBJECT:

Title

Commission District(s): All Commission Districts

Canine Retirement - Official Retirement of K-9 Argo to His Handler

Body

 

Information Contact: Greg A. Padrick, Chief of Police

Phone Number: (770) 724-7440

 

PURPOSE:

*To consider approving the immediate retirement of narcotics canine Argo (K-9 Argo); and
*To consider approving retiring K-9 Argo to the care of his handler, Detective R. Viar; and
*To consider authorizing the Chief Executive Officer to execute all necessary documents.

 

NEED/IMPACT:

K-9 Argo entered service on January 10, 2017 as a narcotics canine with the Department and served his entire career with his handler, Detective R. Viar. Throughout their tenure, the K-9 team has provided outstanding service to the Department, the citizens of DeKalb County, and the greater Metro Atlanta region.

 

Currently, K-9 Argo is exhibiting decreased range of motion in his hips, along with mild lower lumbar discomfort. He also has a documented history of allergic skin conditions, including periodic skin and ear infections. These medical conditions, when considered in conjunction with his age, support the need for his retirement. Accordingly, this request seeks approval to retire K-9 Argo from active service and release him into the permanent care of his handler, Detective R. Viar.

 

FISCAL IMPACT:

Positions created: N/A

Effective Dates: N/A

No fiscal impact to the County

 

RECOMMENDATION:

Recommended Action

To approve the immediate retirement of narcotics canine Argo (K-9 Argo); and To approve retiring K-9 Argo to the care of his handler, Detective R. Viar; and To approve the resolution and authorize the Chief Executive Officer to execute all necessary documents.