LATROBE TO END ITS K-9 OFFICER PROGRAM

Latrobe City Council has voted to end it’s K-9 officer program and retire K-9 officer Zeus.  The Trib reports that Zeus is now over 8 years old, and has reached retirement age, and the current police contract that includes that the K-9 provision is set to expire at the end of the year.  Council authorized City Manager Terry Carcella to reach an agreement by Sept. 1 for the long-term care and custody of Zeus within the terms of the police contract. Handler Sgt. Robert Derk will be first in line to take care of Zeus during the dog’s retirement, if he chooses, said Carcella.  The city’s $40,000 K-9 fund will be applied toward Zeus’ continued care.  Latrobe may consider converting its K-9 vehicle that has been used for transporting Zeus for an alternate police use.