Officer Matthew Hickey has worked on the Marietta Police Department for over 30 years, and for the past 4 years, he got to spend his time on duty with a police K-9 named Ajax who has become far more than a work dog.
However, when Hickey retired after years of service, the city told him he could pay $3,500 to keep his partner, and then rescinded the offer so that Ajaz could be put up for auction to the highest bidder. “Officer Hickey came in when he retired and wanted to buy the dog right then, but we couldn’t do it,” Marietta Mayor Joe Matthew said. “It’s impossible. I would have loved to, but the state law won’t allow us.”
But Hickey decided he wouldn’t let the dog who had become his family get away that easily. “Ajax is a family member; he’s one of my children,” Hickey said.
Crushed at the news, Hickey went public with the issue, and set up a Go Fund Me fund to raise money to buy Ajax at the auction, and has so far raised almost $70,000.
On Monday, Police Chief Rodney Hupp criticized the way Hickey handled the situation, but also explained that Hickey would be able to keep Ajax if he becomes an auxiliary cop.
While the situations in hopeful, an update to Hickey’s Go Fund Me page explained that there are plenty of details that need to be worked out until Ajax can be reunited with Hickey. “As stated in the press conference the offer of auxiliary officer had been considered, but has not and CANNOT be offered because it has to be approved BEFORE IT CAN BE OFFERED. Furthermore, Officer Hickey still HAS NOT been cleared by his doctor to return to active duty whether that be regular or auxiliary duty.”
The update also went on the explain that the extra money raised would be donated to the Vested Interest in K9’s, Inc organization, which provides police departments with bullet/stab proof vests.
Watch the entire video below to see the Marietta Police Department’s statement on getting Ajax back to his rightful owner and partner.
Would you go through this much trouble to be able to keep your dog? Let us know what you think in the comments below, and please SHARE this with friends on Facebook.
[Featured image credit: GoFundMe/Corey Orr ]