An Ohio police officer set to move to a new city is devastated after his boss refuses to allow him to take his K-9 partner with him, despite offering the police department a $10,000 cash donation.
Officer Chad Hagen has been with the City of Shaker Heights Police Department for five years with his K-9, a six-year-old German Shepherd named Igor.
During this time, the couple has developed a unique bond with the dog, who spends most of his time with his human officer and even lives at home with his wife and young child.
“He was with us through our first home, our forever home, a wedding and the birth of a baby. “Standed with us through everything,” Danielle Hagan, Chad’s wife, told WOIO. “We’re the only family he knows.”
But with Hagen's departure, Police Chief Wayne Hudson wants the police dog to remain with the force, noting he has several more years of service to offer the community.
Ohio police officer Chad Hagen, who is moving to a new force, says his boss rejected his request to take his K-9 partner Igor with him, despite offering $10,000
Chad is pictured with his wife Danielle and of course Igor, the German Shepherd K-9 officer
Hagen is leaving the force to take another law enforcement job near his home and did not believe his request and subsequent offer of cash was unreasonable.
When Officer Hagen gave his two-week notice on Thanksgiving, he was ordered to deliver Igor to a local kennel – all at the expense of local taxpayers.
“The first thing the boss said to him was, 'We have to figure out what we're going to do with Igor.' That kind of hit Chad the wrong way. He didn't say he was leaving. When that happened, he said, “Wow, that's such a slap in the face,” Danielle Hagen explained.
“We offered $10,000 of our own money and to be honest, I guarantee Chad would have paid more than that. “But the boss came back and said no financial numbers were taken into account,” she said.
The city of Shaker Heights said the administration does not have the authority to sell the dog and that Igor is expected to return to work.
Officer Chad and Danielle say Igor (left) has been a part of their family for more than five years
“He was with us through our first home, our forever home, a wedding and the birth of a baby. “Standed by us through everything,” said Danielle Hagan, Chad’s wife
Hagen's family says the police chief was malicious when he refused to let the dog go with him. Igor (left) is pictured next to “his little human sister.”
Police Chief Wayne Hudson wants the police dog to remain on the force, noting he has several more years of service to offer the community
Chief Hudson stated, “It (K9 Igor) is a tool and there is no monetary amount that would be considered.”
A petition has now been launched on Change.org with more than 5,500 signatures to support the family's desire to have the dog live with them for the rest of their life.
The petition alleges the chief acted out of spite when he prevented Hagen from taking the dog.
The boss offered Hagen a deal: he would stay with the Shaker Police for two more years and only then, after Hagen's departure, could Igor retire.
But Officer Hagan declined the offer and suggested purchasing the K-9 instead.
“The bond between Officer Hagan and K9 Igor is unimaginable. K9 Igor saved Officer Hagan's life multiple times. 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 the city insists that police simply follow the rules.
Some police departments have been known to allow their supervisors to purchase their partners for a nominal fee of $1
Igor can be seen in many of the family's photos and hopes that he will be allowed to keep him
When Officer Hagen gave his two-week notice on Thanksgiving, he was ordered to deliver the abandoned Igor to a local kennel at taxpayer expense
With Officer Hagen gone, it might be difficult to reintroduce Igor to a new supervisor
Officer Chad Hagen and k-9 Igor share a unique bond, having worked together for five years on the Shaker Heights City Police Department
“Igor is a six-year-old German Shepherd and if his health continues to be good, he is expected to be able to serve and protect the residents of Shaker Heights for another three to four years.” “He shows no signs of slowing down,” the wrote city in a statement.
“Officer Hagan suggested purchasing Igor, but according to city law, the city administration, including the chief, does not have the authority to sell the dog.”
Despite the chief's belief that Igor could continue working for some time, Danielle believes the K-9 has slowed down and can realistically only serve another 18 months to two years in law enforcement.
She also cites other police forces, including Cleveland Heights, that have allowed their officers to purchase their canine partners for as little as $1 after just four years of service.
“Take him home, let him spend the rest of his happy years with his brother and sister and fetch the ball in the backyard,” Brittany Santiago, a family friend, told News5Cleveland.
'It is difficult. It was difficult. “There are a lot of emotions, a lot is at stake,” Santiago said.
Those who signed the petition left advice for the police chief.
An online petition was launched that has garnered more than 3,600 signatures
Officer Hagen and Igor are seen on patrol in the town of Shaker Heights, Ohio
Igor has been placed in kennels while police decide what to do with him
“Chief Wayne Hudson, you should be ashamed of yourself.” Less than a year in this department and you bring this kind of shame with you. Do what is right for this loyal K9 officer, his handler and his family and let him live out the rest of his years with the family that raised and loved him,” wrote Leigh Ann Cook.
“Igor has served his city, it is time for him to retire and enjoy family life after years of hard work!” It is outrageous that they are using him in a power game. Bring him home!!' Makenzie Olivares demanded.
“This is just pathetic. Poor Igor sits in a kennel while the cop just wants to take him home and even offers him money for a new K9.” Why didn't you just let the cop take his partner home? I have to love those who make this decision. SAD,” said Cindy Lichty.
“Enough of the abuse of power.” This dog is not only Officer Hagan's partner, but also a part of his family. “Let Igor retire with the ONLY family he knows and loves,” Crystal Blasinsky added.
The police department has since responded to the allegations of vindictiveness in a lengthy statement on behalf of the chief.
“Rather than acting out of vindictiveness, Chief Hudson follows the requirements of the law and acts 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 stated.
“While Chief Hudson understands Officer Hagan and his family's feelings toward Igor, when Officer Hagan became a K-9 officer like all K-9 officers, he understood that the dogs they work with are well-trained are an integral part of the dog.” Shaker Heights Police Department, providing a service to protect the community.
“It is the responsibility and priority of the chief and city government to protect the safety of the city's citizens. “Any attack on the chief's judgment and character in this matter is unwarranted and unjust.”