HomeMy WebLinkAboutPO 7290: RETIREMENT AND TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP OF POLICE K-9 "SPOK" City of
www.PortArthurTx.gov
INTEROFFICE MEMORANDUM
Date: October 21, 2024
To: The Honorable Mayor and City Council
Through: Ronald Burton CPM, City Manager
From: Timothy W. Duriso, Chief of Police
RE: PO 7290—Retirement and transfer of ownership of Police K-9 "Spok"
Introduction:
The intent of this Agenda Item is to seek the City Council's approval for the retirement of
police canine "Spok" and transferring the ownership of the canine to the personal care of
Officer Chad Morrison.
Background:
"Spok" is a 7-year-old Belgian Malinois that the police department has owned for
approximately 5 years and has been under the control of Officer Morrison during his police
career. "Spok" is at his end of service with the department. Per Senate Bill 2100 this law
allows retired police dogs to be adopted by their handler or another qualified caretaker at no
cost. Officer Morrison has agreed to take ownership to personally care for and assume all
responsibility and future care and cost associated with K-9 "Spok"at no cost to the City of
Port Arthur.
Budget Impact:
There is no budgetary impact for the retirement and transfer of ownership.
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council approve the retirement of police canine "Spok"and
transfer the ownership of the canine to the personal care of Officer Chad Morrison at no cost to
the City of Port Arthur.
"Remember,we are here to serve the Citizens of Port Arthur"
P.O.Box 1089 X Port Arthur,Texas 77641-1089 X 409.983.8101 X FAX 409.982.6743
P.O. 7290
JLH 10/21/24
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE RETIREMENT OF POLICE
CANINE "SPOK" AND TRANSFERRING THE OWNERSHIP OF THE
CANINE TO THE PERSONAL CARE OF OFFICER CHAD
MORRISON.
WHEREAS, the Police Department has a police canine known
as "Spok" that has been in service for the City of Port Arthur
for the past 5 years and was assigned to Officer Chad
Morrison; and
WHEREAS, the canine was diagnosed with a degenerative
muscle issue in his front shoulders where the veterinarian
advised that the condition is non-correctable and will
continue to deteriorate under the physical stress of the job
performance; and
WHEREAS, Officer Morrison has agreed to take possession
and ownership of "Spok" and assume all future expenses and
liability involved in the care and maintenance of the
canine; and
WHEREAS, per Senate Bill 2100 this law allows retired
police dogs to be adopted by their handler or another
qualified caretaker at no cost; and
WHEREAS, it is deemed in the best interest of the City
to approve the retirement and transfer of "Spok" to Officer
Morrison to personally care for and assume all
responsibility and future care and cost of ownership at no
cost to the City of Port Arthur.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PORT ARTHUR, TEXAS :
Section 1 . That the facts and opinions in the preamble
are true and correct .
Section 2 . That the City Council of the City of Port
Arthur hereby authorizes the retirement of police canine
"Spok" and the transfer of the ownership of the canine to the
personal care of Officer Chad Morrison, who agrees to assume
P.O. 7290
JLH 10/21/24
all future responsibility, ownership, cost and care of the
canine at no cost to the City of Port Arthur.
Section 3 . That ownership and transfer shall take place
upon approval of the Ordinance and signature of Officer Chad
Morrison agreeing to the terms therein.
Section 4 . That a copy of the Ordinance shall be spread
upon the Minutes of the City Council .
READ, ADOPTED AND APPROVED on this day of November,
A.D. , 2024 , at a Regular Meeting of the City Council of the
City of Port Arthur, Texas, by the following vote : AYES:
Mayor:
Councilmembers :
NOES:
Thurman Bill Bartie
Mayor
ATTEST:
Sherri Bellard
City Secretary
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Roxann Pais Cotroneo
City Attorney
P.O. 7290
JLH 10/21/24
APPROVED FOR ADMINISTRATION:
Ronald Burton, CPM
City Manager
__________-----p
/i0-7a'as i i3
,214
Timothy . Durisd
Chief �bf Police
4
AGREED TO:
Officer Chad Morrison