Retired Marietta K-9 officer finally reunited with his dog

2/5/16: Ah, it’s always nice to report some uplifting news now and then.

After battling the rules and regulations of the city council for the past two weeks, retired K-9 officer Matthew Hickey was able to buy Ajax, the police dog he raised and trained, for $1 from the city.

“I am ecstatic,” Hickey told the Columbus Dispatch.

After city officials were touched by Hickey’s story (and dogged by residents, who raised over $70,000 to support Hickey), City Law Director Paul Bertram dug up a law that said a police dog could be bought for $1 if the K-9 unit was disbanded, circumventing the old rules that kept Hickey and Ajax apart.

In a story that’s sending waves beyond Marietta, State Senator Lou Gentile (D-Steubenville) was even inspired to work on a bill that would allow retiring police officers to purchase their companion animals from law enforcement agencies at “fair market value.”

As for the $70,000 that was raised? It’s going towards a charity that will buy bulletproof vests for police dogs.

2/3/16: Former K-9 officer Matthew Hickey has rejected the city’s offer to make him an “auxiliary officer” in order to keep his dog, Ajax.

Hickey said he retired due to health concerns, and he does not want to volunteer through his retirement.

Though Hickey offered to buy Ajax for $3,500, Marietta Law Director Paul Bertram III said that the dog needs to be sold through a sealed bid at auction by law.

Hickey said on Tuesday that he has plans to put in a bid on Ajax.

2/2/16: It started out as a rough week for K-9 officer Matthew Hickey and his canine companion, Ajax, who he raised and trained.

Last week, Marietta city officials said that state law required them to put Ajax up for auction. When Hickey offered to buy Ajax for $3,500, police Chief Robert Hupp declined the offer.

Hupp said that since Ajax is young and healthy, he should continue to work.

But since last week, Hickey has received copious support. An online campaign raised $65,000 for Hickey, and anything more than what is needed to buy Ajax will be donated to a charity that buys bulletproof vests for police dogs.

Following the public outcry, Marietta city officials said yesterday that Hickey could be made an “auxiliary officer,” and could keep Ajax.

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