‘We’re the only family he knows’: Ohio K-9 cop is left heartbroken after $10,000 offer to buy his beloved canine partner ‘Igor’ from the force as he moves to another city is rejected – with dog now sitting in a KENNEL
An Ohio police officer about to move to a new city was devastated after his boss refused to let him take his K-9 partner with him, despite offering the police a $10,000 cash donation.
Officer Chad Hagen worked with his K-9, a six-year-old German shepherd named Igor, for five years with the Shaker Heights Police Department.
During this time, the couple developed a unique bond with the dog, spending most of their time with their human officer, even while living at home with their wife and young child.
“He was with us in our first home, in our forever home, in marriage, in the birth of a child. She was with us through everything,” said Danielle Hagan, Chad’s wife. VUIO. “We’re the only family he knows.”
But with Hagen gone, Police Chief Wayne Hudson wants the police dog to remain on the force, noting he still has several years of service left to give back to the community.
Ohio police officer Chad Hagen, who is transferring to a new force, says his boss rejected his request to bring his K-9 partner Igor with him, despite an offer of $10,000.
Chad is pictured with his wife Danielle and, of course, German Shepherd Igor, a K-9 officer.
Hagen is leaving the police force to take another law enforcement job closer to where he lives, and does not consider his request and subsequent offer of money to be unreasonable.
When Officer Hagen gave him two weeks’ notice on Thanksgiving Day, he was ordered to surrender Igor to a local kennel – all at the expense of local taxpayers.
“The first thing the boss told him was: “We need to figure out what we’re going to do with Igor.” This kind of hit Chad the wrong way. He didn’t say he was leaving. And when that happened, he said, ‘Wow… that’s kind of a slap in the face,'” Danielle Hagen explained.
“We offered $10,000 of our own money and, frankly, I guarantee Chad would have paid more. But the manager came back and said that no financial indicators would be considered,” she said.
The city of Shaker Heights said it does not have the authority to sell the dog and that Igor is expected to return to his duties.
Officer Chad and Daniel say Igor (left) has been part of their family for more than five years.
“He was with us in our first home, in our forever home, in marriage, in the birth of a child. He was with us through everything,” said Danielle Hagan, Chad’s wife.
Hagen’s family claims the police chief was malicious in not allowing the dog to leave with him. Igor (left) is depicted next to “his little human sister.”
Police Chief Wayne Hudson wants to keep the police dog in service, noting he has several years of service left to give to the community
Chief Hudson stated, “This (K9 Igor) is a tool and there is no financial amount that would be considered.”
A change.org A petition has now been created with over 3,600 signatures championing the cause of the family to live out their days with them.
The petition claims that the chief is acting out of spite by preventing Hagen from taking the dog with him.
The chief offered Hagen a deal: stay on the Shaker police force for two more years and only then, after Hagen’s departure, can Igor retire?
But Officer Hagan rejected the offer and suggested purchasing a K-9 instead.
“The bond between Officer Hagan and K9 Igor is beyond anything imaginable. K9 Igor saved Officer Hagan’s life on multiple occasions. K9 Igor is not a “tool”. He is a beloved member of the Hagan family and Officer Hagan’s best friend. This is truly the worst heartbreak this family has ever experienced. ‘
But city officials insist the police department is simply following the rules.
Some police departments have been known to allow their handlers to purchase their partners for a nominal fee of $1.
Igor appears in many family photographs and he hopes that he will be allowed to keep him.
When Officer Hagen gave two weeks’ notice around Thanksgiving, he was ordered to surrender Igor (left) to a local kennel, all at taxpayer expense.
After Officer Hagen leaves, it may be difficult to retrain Igor for a new handler.
Officer Chad Hagen and K-9 Igor share a unique bond: they worked together for five years with the Shaker Heights Police Department.
“Igor is a six-year-old German Shepherd and if he remains in good health, he is expected to be ready to serve the residents of Shaker Heights for another three out of four years. It shows no signs of slowing down,” the city said in a statement.
“Officer Hagan offered to buy Igor, but according to city laws, the city administration, including the chief, does not have the authority to sell the dog.”
Despite her boss’s confidence that Igor will be able to continue working for some time, Danielle says she believes K-9 has slowed down and can realistically work in law enforcement for another 18 months to two years.
She also cites other police forces, including Cleveland Heights, which allowed its officers to purchase their canine partners after just four years of service for just one dollar.
“Bring him home, let him live out the rest of his happy years with his brother and sister, playing catch in the backyard,” said Brittany Santiago, a family friend. News5Cleveland.
‘It’s complicated. It was complicated. There’s a lot of emotion at stake,” Santiago said.
Those who signed the petition left words of advice for the police chief.
An online petition was created and received more than 3,600 signatures.
Officer Hagen and Igor are on patrol in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
Igor was placed in an enclosure while the police decide what to do with him
“Chief Wayne Hudson, you should be ashamed.” Less than a year in this department and you’ll cause such a disgrace. Do what is right for this loyal K9 officer, his handler and family, and let him live out the rest of his years with the family that raised and loved him,” Lee Ann Cook wrote.
“Igor has served his city, it’s time for him to retire and enjoy family life after many years of hard work!” It’s outrageous that they use him in a power game. Bring him home!!’ Mackenzie Olivares demanded.
“It’s just a shame that poor Igor is sitting in a kennel, and the officer only wants to take him home and even offers him money for a new K9. Why don’t you just let the officer take his partner home. We must love those who make this decision. It’s sad,” Cindy Lichty said.
“Stop abusing power. This dog is not only Officer Hagan’s partner, but also part of his family. May Igor retire with the ONLY family he knows and loves,” added Crystal Blasinski.
The police department has since responded to allegations of retaliation by the police chief. long statement.
“Rather than acting out of vindictiveness, Chief Hudson is following the dictates of the law and acting in the best interests of the residents of Shaker Heights to protect the significant investment the city has made in Igor, the police dog,” the department explained. .
“While Chief Hudson is sympathetic to Officer Hagan and his family’s feelings for Igor, Officer Hagan, when he became a K-9 officer, like all K-9 officers, learned that the dogs they work with are a highly trained integral part of the Shaker Heights Police Department providing community protection services.
“Protecting the safety of city residents is the responsibility and priority of the city mayor and administration. Any attack on the judgment and character of the leader on this issue is unfounded and unfair.”