A couple of Salem’s four-legged police veterans are going into early retirement because of Ohio’s recent legalization of recreational marijuana.

Police Chief J.T. Panezott announced in a news release that K9s Simon and Argo will be retired from service when new K9 units are brought in to replace them.

Simon and Argo were trained in the detection of marijuana, and Panezott says their retirement was not planned. The recent legalization of adult-use cannabis in Ohio has led to plans for the retirement of Simon and Argo and an estimated 300 K9s trained in marijuana detection, according to the chief.

“We are hopeful the 135th General Assembly of the Ohio Legislature will provide funds for the replacement of marijuana-detecting police dogs and the associated costs through the passage of House Bill 396,” says Chief Panezott.

Simon, who started service in 2016, and Argo, who was sworn in in 2017 have been an integral part of the City of Salem's police work and have provided mutual support to local police departments according to Chief Panezott.

Both K9s will continue to serve until their replacement K9s are fully trained and certified.

Patrolmen Michael Garber and Steve LaRosa will remain as handlers for the Salem K9 Unit. The new K9s will be selected in late August, and training will follow at the Vaness K9 Training Facility in Canton.

The Salem K9 Unit was created from donations from individuals, families, organizations, and businesses, along with a grant from the Salem Community Foundation.

 The city’s next K9 Unit will require funding for two new K9s and their equipment.

Contributions can be made to the Salem Community Foundation, P.O. Box 553, Salem, Ohio 44460. Note on the memo line, "Salem Police Department K9 Fund". All donations are tax deductible.