By Bill Short
The Millington Board of Mayor and Aldermen has adopted a resolution authorizing the retirement of police dog Kimbo and his ownership transferred to his handler.
Board members took the action during their July 12 regular monthly meeting on a motion offered by Alderman Thomas McGhee and seconded by Alderman Larry Dagen.
The motion was passed by six affirmative votes, with Alderman Don Lowry absent.
The resolution states that, in early 2014, the Millington Police Department acquired Kimbo, a male Malinois, who was trained in both drug detection and as a police patrol dog.
It notes that Kimbo’s handler, Sgt. Robert L. Akers III, has left the department and is ready for retirement from police work.
The resolution states that, because of Kimbo’s training, it is in the city’s best interest for him to be placed with an individual who knows how to properly handle him.
It notes that Akers has expressed a desire to keep Kimbo and provide for his continued care and housing.
The resolution authorizes City Attorney Gerald Lawson and City Manager Ed Haley to prepare and execute a contract with Akers to:
(1) allow him to receive ownership of Kimbo;
(2) have him assume responsibility for all costs of Kimbo’s future food and care; and
(3) hold the city harmless from any liability for Kimbo’s future actions.
The resolution states that ownership will be transferred as soon as Akers signs the contract.
