K-9 Jaros retires from the police force

The end of an era arrived on Monday evening, when the Morganton City Council officially approved the retirement of Jaros, a K-9 with the Morganton Department of Public Safety (MDPS).

After nearly nine years on the force, Jaros wagged his tail and chewed a toy as his handler, Public Safety Officer Stacey Huffman, periodically petted him and patted his side.

Mayor Ronnie Thompson delivered the resolution, saying, “Now is the time for Jaros to remove his police vest and all the responsibilities that come with it, and enjoy the carefree life of being a dog.”

MDPS Chief Ryan Lander also said a few words before the council voted to allow Jaros to reside with Huffman going forward.

“Obviously, we’re here for Jaros’ retirement,” Lander said, “but a lot of what the public doesn’t know is that Stacey has decided that this will be her last K-9. So, she will be retiring as a K-9 handler.”

THE K-9

Jaros’ retirement is bright, filled with dog beds and treats — “more treats than usual,” Huffman elaborated.

“From the day he was picked out at the kennel, we trained, certified, worked patrol, and responded to calls together almost daily,” Huffman said. “Over that time, he became more than just a partner — he became part of my family and an irreplaceable member of our department.”

Jaros earned his unique, amalgamated name in memory of a fellow handler, Jason Crisp, and his K-9 partner, Maros, who were murdered during a manhunt in 2014.

Across his impressive tenure, Jaros assisted in locating 18 persons during traffic and building searches; discovered more than $150,000 in U.S. currency; apprehended multiple suspects; recovered 34 firearms connected to criminal activity; sniffed out 3.8 kilos of marijuana, 1.5 kilos of meth, 593 grams of cocaine, and 260 grams of fentanyl; and participated in more than 200 public demonstrations.

“A K-9’s retirement is based primarily on age, health, and overall performance,” Huffman said.

Huffman explained that one morning in January, the K-9 started yelping and tensing up around his neck. After a few vet visits and several X-rays, Huffman learned that the 11-year-old pup had a slipped disc.

“We just figured it was definitely best and humane to let him live out a peaceful rest of his life,” she said. “Hopefully, it’s a very long life after work, because he’s worked so hard.”

The force isn’t losing all of its K-9 units, as Tigo, the Dutch shepherd, keeps his nose on the trail.

THE PSO

“After 12 years as a K-9 handler, working alongside two incredible K-9 partners, I am officially hanging up the leash and transitioning back into a role as a patrol officer,” Huffman said.

An old adage, she explained, is that K-9 handlers spend more time with their dogs training and working than with their families, and she’s ready to be with her family more.

Huffman’s almost 2-year-old daughter has all but claimed Jaros — or Jay Jay, as she calls him — as her own.

“He’s doing better than I thought he was gonna do,” the officer said. “It’s almost like he knew that it was time.”

According to Huffman, the former K-9’s last 10-42, or duty sign-off, was on Feb. 16, just before his last vet visit.

When asked why she would no longer work as a handler, Huffman said it was time to let someone else take the helm.

But mainly, she said, “It was the right time. That way, I could end it knowing I finished a dog through its career. … I just don’t think Jaros would do well with another dog at home. We’ve got two other dogs, but I don’t think he would do well seeing me leave with another K-9 to go to work.”