MARIETTA, Ohio — A retired Ohio police officer wanted to purchase his longtime K-9 partner, but the city originally said he would have to bid for him.
After the city received a large negative reaction and people from across the country pitched in to help Matt Hickey raise the money to win his partner Ajax in an auction, the city unveiled a plan for the man and dog to stay together, the Athens Messenger reported.
When Hickey announced his retirement, he offered to buy the dog for $3,500, which is Ajax’s estimated value according to city officials.
However, Ohio state law says K-9 officers that are not at retirement age must be sold at auction with sealed bids because they’re public property.
But Hickey was worried someone may have tried to outbid him.
Hickey told WBNS-TV he’s had the Ajax for three years and that he’s like a family member.
The Marietta City Council supported him and worked to figure out a solution. Marietta Police Chief Rodney Hupp told the Athens Messenger the city formerly had a volunteer auxiliary program, which it considered reinstating to allow Ajax to be with Hickey as an auxiliary member.
Hupp said Hickey signed on to be an auxiliary officer Jan. 28, but the city was unable to officially announce the plan because it had not yet been finalized. As a result, social media continued to fan the fire.