At a recent meeting, Milford City Council approved a request from Chief Cecilia Ashe to authorize the “retirement” of K9 Officer Mason. Because K9 officers are considered police property, council must approve the transfer of ownership.
“It is respectfully recommended that City Council approve a resolution declaring Milford Police Canine Mason as surplus property and authorizing the Chief of Police to execute a Bill of Sale to transfer ownership of the canine to handler Miles Kosiorowski for the nominal sum of $1.00,” Seargeant Timothy Maloney, who was filling in for Ashe at the council meeting, said. “The canine is permanently retired from active police service. The canine cannot be utilized for law enforcement or security duties by the handler or any other entity. Legal status changes from a public safety asset to a private domestic pet.”
Mason, a Belgian Malinois, has served Milford Police Department with distinction since 2020. He is assigned to Kosiorowski to assist with dual-purpose patrol and as a tracking dog. Mason achieved the highest level of qualification offered through the National Police Canine Association and maintained rigorous yearly testing standards alongside his partner. Mason frequently participated in local community outreach such as giving live tracking and safety demonstrations at regional events.
“To maintain the welfare of the animal, prevent separation trauma and ensure a smooth transition, it is standard professional practice to allow the handler to retain custody of their canine partner upon separation from the agency under specific retirement conditions,” Maloney said. “Allowing handler Miles Kosiorowski to purchase the canine ensures the animal remains in a stable, familiar environment with the individual best trained to manage and care for them.”
Council approved the bill of sale by a vote of six to zero as Councilwoman Madula Kalesis was not in attendance.
