A Waterloo police officer and his K-9 partner are retiring from the force together.

Tuesday night (Sept. 6, 2017), the Waterloo City Council voted unanimously to transfer ownership of K-9 Jason to his handler, officer Tyler Brownell. Mayor Quentin Hart and Police Chief Dan Trelka were also in full support of the ownership transfer.

Brownell has a medical condition that is forcing him to retire as a police officer. K-9 Jason will now be able to assist Brownell with important daily functions as a service dog.

Due to the strong bond formed between the two, K-9s are routinely transferred to their handler when they conclude their police service. Jason, however, was approximately halfway through his service life with the department. To acquire the dog, Brownell agreed to pay $4,000 to the police K-9 fund.

"This gift is a token of appreciation for the service officer Brownell has rendered to the City of Waterloo," Chief Trelka said in a news release issued by the Mayor's office. "We are pleased these partners will be able to stay together."

According to the release, Trelka and Mayor Hart worked with an anonymous donor to secure $2,500 toward the K-9's purchase. An additional $1,500 has been raised by Brownell.

The departure of K-9 Jason leaves the Waterloo police department with three certified dogs that work and live with their handlers every day.

More From AM 950 KOEL