Cop leaving job sparks controversy by requesting to keep K9, but police chief denies request
Controversy Erupts Over Police Officer’s Departure and K9 Separation
A heated dispute has ignited in a Cleveland suburb, pitting a police officer against the police chief after the officer decided to pursue another job opportunity. The bone of contention? The officer’s beloved police K9, Igor.
Chad Hagan, a dedicated Shaker Heights police officer who has been partnered with Igor, a loyal six-year-old German shepherd, since 2018, expressed his desire to explore law enforcement opportunities closer to home. However, when Hagan mentioned this to Police Chief Wayne Hudson, he was met with an unexpected response. Hagan’s wife, Danielle, revealed, “The chief’s initial reaction was to figure out what to do with Igor. Chad wasn’t even saying he was leaving yet. It was like a slap in the face.”
In an effort to keep Igor by their side, the Hagan family offered $10,000 of their own money, with Chad willing to pay even more. Unfortunately, the chief rejected any financial arrangement. Danielle emphasized the deep bond they share with Igor, stating, “He’s been with us through thick and thin, from our first home to our forever home, our marriage, and the birth of our child.”
The City’s Response
The City of Shaker Heights swiftly issued a statement to present their side of the story. According to their account:
In November, Officer Hagan informed Police Chief Wayne Hudson of his intention to resign and join another department, expressing his desire to take Igor along. Despite Igor having a few more years of service left, the chief offered Hagan the option to stay for an additional two years before allowing Igor to retire. Regrettably, Hagan declined this offer.
The city clarified that they are unable to sell the dog, citing a 2019 city ordinance that prohibits the administration, including the chief, from doing so. They explained that the ordinance was designed to align with a state law enacted in 1998, allowing officers to purchase their canine partners for $1.00 only under specific circumstances, such as injury, disability, or old age preventing them from fulfilling their duties.
Addressing accusations of retaliation and vindictiveness, the city stated that Chief Hudson made genuine efforts to convince Officer Hagan to remain with the Shaker Heights Police Department. They emphasized that the chief acted within the confines of the law by declining to sell Igor to the officer.
This story has received international attention, and petitions are out, but still no results! Please pass this around!
A Shaker Heights, Ohio Police Officer, Chad Hagen, is moving his family to another city, and gave Police Chief Wayne Hudson his 2-week notice on Thanksgiving.… pic.twitter.com/ys5PSlfkAH
— 🇺🇸ProudArmyBrat (@leslibless) December 10, 2023
A Petition for Justice
In response to the situation, a petition has been launched to advocate for Igor’s continued companionship with the Hagan family. The petition claims that Chief Hudson dismissed any financial consideration, stating that Igor is merely a tool.
For now, Igor remains confined to a kennel until further arrangements can be made.
Here’s where K9 Igor has been sent to continue his service… #SaveK9Igor pic.twitter.com/24HbO01lhh
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) December 11, 2023
What circumstances would lead a dog to be deemed unsuitable for police work?
Certain circumstances. According to the city, these circumstances include the dog being deemed unsuitable for police work or the officer’s retirement.
Public Outcry and Legal Action
The news of Igor’s potential separation from Officer Hagan generated widespread outrage within the community. Many citizens sympathetic to Hagan’s plight expressed their discontent on social media, calling for the city to reconsider their decision.
Public figures also weighed in on the controversy. Ohio State Representative Stephanie Howse released a statement expressing her disappointment and promising to explore potential legislative actions to resolve the issue. Other local officials, including Shaker Heights City Council members, have indicated their support for Hagan and their desire to find a solution that allows him to keep his loyal K9 partner.
In response to the public outcry, Officer Hagan and his wife, Danielle, have decided to take legal action. They have retained the services of an attorney specializing in animal rights and are pursuing a lawsuit against the City of Shaker Heights. The lawsuit alleges that the city’s refusal to allow Hagan to purchase Igor violates his constitutional rights and is causing unnecessary emotional distress.
Broader Implications
This contentious battle over the separation of a police officer and his K9 partner highlights the often-overlooked bond between these law enforcement duos. While it may be seen as simply a matter of reassigning a dog to another handler, for Hagan, Igor is an integral part of his family and his daily life.
Moreover, this case has raised questions about the relationship between officers and the police canines they work with. Many argue that the emotional connection forged between these pairs should be considered in decisions regarding their future. As the lawsuit unfolds, it may set a precedent for how other jurisdictions handle similar situations.
Conclusion
The controversy surrounding Officer Hagan’s departure and the potential separation of him and his K9 partner, Igor, has sparked a fierce debate in the Cleveland suburb of Shaker Heights. Public outrage, the involvement of public officials, and the legal action taken by the Hagan family have brought attention to the emotional bond between police officers and their K9 partners.
As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the courts will rule and what impact this will have on future decisions regarding police K9 partnerships. In the meantime, Officer Hagan and his family are determined to fight for their beloved canine companion, emphasizing the unique and invaluable role that Igor plays in their lives and in their service to the community.
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