LEXINGTON, Ky. — A retired Lexington police K-9 who once sniffed for explosives at community events may soon have a permanent home with the detective who worked alongside her.
The Urban County Council is scheduled to consider a release-of-claims agreement Tuesday that would allow the Division of Police to transfer ownership of Rhea, an explosive-detection Labrador Retriever, to her handler, Detective Eric Wilzbach. The item carries no budget impact.
According to a memo from Police Chief Lawrence Weathers, the agreement would release the city from any claims arising from the gift and bars any off-duty security or law-enforcement use of the retired canine. It also prohibits selling or transferring Rhea to another public-safety agency.
Department records show Rhea’s retirement was initiated June 27. A memo from the Canine Unit cites “environmental training and deployment issues” that limited her effectiveness, notes that introductions with Wilzbach’s family had already been made to ensure a good fit, and says Rhea was spayed and had her teeth cleaned.
“Although she was with the department for only a short time, Rhea was an explosive detection dog who assisted at community events and calls for service,” police spokeswoman Hannah Sloan said.
If the council signs off, Mayor Linda Gorton would be authorized to execute the agreement and complete the transfer to Wilzbach.
