The Phoenix City Council made it possible for a police officer to continue his partnership with a canine friend.
"Kim" is a 9-year-old Belgian Malinois and a K-9 officer with the Phoenix Police Department. She served seven years on the Police Airport Bureau’s Explosive Detection Canine Team.
You may have seen Kim and her partner, Officer Kenichi Doi, as they searched the grounds and terminals of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport for explosives.
Together, Doi and Kim searched planes, cargo and luggage left unattended. They also did vehicle security sweeps during presidential visits and other VIP events.
Due to Kim's age and health issues, she is no longer able to continue working in this capacity. The dog was owned by the Transportation Security Administration, which agreed to retire her and transfer ownership to the City of Phoenix.
In a city council meeting earlier this month, officials sold Kim to Doi for a $1.
"Kim has served Sky Harbor International Airport, the City of Phoenix, and the Phoenix Police Department Airport Bureau with dedication and exemplary effort for the past seven years," a city official said.
Kim currently spends her days relaxing at home while Doi goes off to work.
Doi said Kim has adjusted well to retirement, not even wanting to get out of bed when he leaves for work in the morning. That's retired life for you.
