NEWTON FALLS, Ohio - There were some contentious moments in Newton Falls as people spoke in favor of keeping a K-9 officer and his handler together, even though they are moving on from the department. 

 

Some thought the cost of training and other stipulations should not be a barrier to the K-9 remaining with his partner of a few years.

 

In Newton Falls Detective Steve Lyden will be departing for another job, and as he does he wanted his faithful K-9 partner to remain with him and his family for life.

 

He signed an agreement to pay the cash strapped city $5,000 dollars but people in the community were outraged at the price tag. Most retired dogs are sold for a dollar, and Kato still had about another six years of service left,  but how can you break a bond so tight without breaking hearts?

 

Some people told city council they would have promised to sign and pay any amount also since dogs are like family, especially K-9 Officers who work so closely with and live with their handler.

 

One person told the board it's ridiculous the city is trying to make Lyden and his family pay for a dog who has done so much for this community. 

 

They explain the dog has helped take various drugs off streets along with guns. Some pointed out that just having a drug dog helped cut down on drug dealers in the community.

 

Member after member of the community went to the microphone and had their say explaining their tax dollars were used to buy Kato so their voices should be heard. They wanted council to sell the K-9 to his handler and partner for one dollar.

 

Some said it's ridiculous asking for and told council give Kato to Officer Lyden.

 

Others said council members should do what is right and explained officer Lyden served our country and their community.

 

People verbally attacked a provision in a contract that stated Lyden could be sued for $25,000 if he sells the dog, breeds the dog or uses it for police work for another entity. 

 

Councilwoman Julie Stimpert expressed dismay everyone some elected officials were counting dollars, when you can't put a price on saving a life. She did not see the need for the provision of Kato not working again if the dog can track a missing person and save their life or help save lives in other ways.

 

Some residents wanted an explanation on why the city put the requirements in the contract.

 

After about an hour councilman Christopher Granchie made a motion to do away with parts of the legislation being voted on so it takes out the conditions and just sells the K-9 to his handler for a dollar no strings attached. That motion passed unanimously.

 

"Once he decided to resign, it was a no-brainer to make sure the dog stayed with his handler," Granchie said.

 

Officer Lyden expression and tears said more than words, that Kato is family.

 

Lyden and his family cried happy tears or relief. They had left their daughter at home and did not explain what was happening since they wanted to shield her from trauma, however they were unsure of what would happen at the meeting.

 

"We don't have to worry. We get to keep our boy. I want to thank everyone," said Lyden. 

 

Newton Falls is expected to save money spent on training and costs of the drug dog, but council members said they had not discussed ending the drug dog program until Lyden got a new job.