The Quakertown Police Department is losing an officer to retirement and replacing this officer will involve much more than posting a vacant position. Fury, one of two K-9 officers, will be retiring after four years of service to the department.

            Borough Manager and Chief of Police Scott McElree explained during Monday night's work session that Fury's retirement is occurring earlier than expected at the recommendation of the K-9's veterinarian. Fury has already undergone an emergency procedure to treat an unspecified dental disorder.

            Quakertown has had a K-9 unit since 2007 with two K-9 officers. Fury and Jax, both German Shepherds, have been with the department since 2016. While both are trained as patrol officers, Fury has been specially trained in narcotics detection and Jax in explosives detection.

            Both Fury and Jax came to the borough through a canine training facility in North Carolina. Officers Bryan Lockwood and Paul Houseknecht underwent extensive training at the North Carolina facility before serving as the K-9 handlers. With Officer Houseknecht's recent resignation, Fury was reassigned to Officer Tyler Fahringer, who will still need to undergo training.

            McElree explained that obtaining a new K-9 officer could cost the borough $14,000. However, nearly 40% of that cost involves training Officer Fahringer, a cost the borough would have incurred anyway. Officer Fahringer will now be training with a newly selected K-9 Officer.

            McElree will seek grant funding to absorb some of the costs of the K-9 and training.

            As for Fury, McElree explained that he will work with an organization that deals specifically with retiring K-9 officers. According to McElree, Fury will more than likely be adopted by a retired handler.

            On June 22, the police department will host the first annual K9 Mutt Strutt, a one-mile walk combined with other dog-friendly activities. Held at the Park at 4^th, on West Mill St., the walk will raise funds for the K-9 Unit.

            In other business Monday night, council will vote during their regular meeting on May 1 to contract with Cowan Associates for $2,100 to submit a grant application. The borough plans to apply for funding through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to assist with the revitalization of the Panther Playground.