Update: I have won my case however Tiko has still not been returned to me. It is so unfair that he was taken away out of spite and even after proving my case no word has been mentioned on his return. I discovered Tiko belongs to the commissioners, and I am going to link the address. Please feel free to reach out to them and voice your opinion on bringing Tiko home. https://www.clintonco.com/commissioners/ 

As a dedicated law enforcement officer, I have dutifully served alongside my excellent K9 Tiko partner for several years for the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office. Our bond runs deep, intensified by the shared experiences, challenging missions, and the countless hours we've spent together. He has been more than a partner; he has been my constant companion and a part of my family. However, he has been taken away from me, his home and has since been placed in three different homes. 

Despite our years of companionship and service, current policies do not automatically permit officers to purchase their K9. This policy neglects the powerful bond formed between an officer and their K9 counterpart who have not only worked, but lived together. 

Reputable research suggests that dogs form strong emotional bonds with their human partners, which intensifies when they work and live together. Separation from a loved partner then can lead to significant stress and inconveniences for the dog. It is critical for the well-being of K9 dogs that they continue to live with their human partners who know, understand, and can cater to their unique needs and personalities.

Backstory: Due to reasons out of my control, I was placed on administrative paid leave in March. I have an adult son who was 2 months shy of turning 21 who was arrested for illegal minor consumption of alcohol. He blew a .003, yes you read that correctly. .003. The local police department, who never made contact with me for a statement filed a complaint to my department that they believe I provided my son and his girlfriend with alcohol. I was made to take a polygraph and was told I was deceptive. I have hired a lawyer, and we will have our opportunity to dispute these allegations. Months/days went by without any updates from my department. On May 31st, I was told I was now under a criminal investigation, but I was not told what the criminal investigation was. I was told I had to give them K9 Tiko at this point. 56 days went by before I was updated and told why I was under a criminal investigation. I was told they were trying to charge me with a level 6 felony, Official misconduct, for my SOCIAL MEDIA! Several more months went by, and the prosecutor said I did nothing criminal and was not pursuing charges. However, now my department is trying to terminate me based on my social media accounts and the incident involving my son. I was asked if I wanted to resign, and these allegations would be dropped against me. I declined unless I would have the opportunity to have K9 Tiko. I was told no. I then offered to purchase him and was told they have "too much invested" in Tiko. Mind you I have been getting paid this entire time, the amount the department has put into paying for their legal team to pursue charges against me and the time and resources wasted. I think it would have saved the department time and money to allow me to adopt Tiko. Tiko was purchased from FM K9 for $6000, over 3 years ago. He is over 4 years old. He has been placed in three homes since me and has been assigned to a new handler. Tiko bit the new handler on their first day of training, sending the handler to the hospital to receive several stiches.  I think it is only fair to let Tiko live out his life where he belongs, with me. I am willing to purchase Tiko to allow the department to have funding for the new handler to purchase a new dog that he can properly bond with. 

I am still currently employed, and no decision has been made on my status. It is unfair that Tiko has prematurely been taken from me. Sign this petition to support the rights of these unsung heroes and allow me to bring my best friend home. I also encourage you to do your own research regarding the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office in Indiana. I have also filed a lawsuit against the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office for sexual discrimination. 

https://www.clintonco.com/commissioners/