The Palm Bay City Council approved an agreement to transfer retired police canine Zeke to his former handler and finalized payment arrangements after debate over whether the officer should pay the full recoup amount.

Police said Zeke, a Belgian Malinois, developed medical issues that limit long-term service. The handler, Officer Jennifer Blackledge, asked to keep Zeke and offered to pay the $11,000 the department paid when the animal was acquired. Officer Blackledge told the council she preferred to “pay out the $11,000” because she considered that a fair recoupment given the department’s purchase price.

Councilman Langevin, who pulled the item for discussion, urged the city to consider a contribution or a payment plan to ease the cost on the officer, saying the handler had a bond with the dog and it would be “better than just selling it to somebody that we don't know.” City Manager Scott Morgan and the city attorney said the city typically recoups asset value when employees purchase city equipment but suggested alternatives such as an interest-free payment plan or a fundraiser to cover the balance.

Officer Blackledge said she was prepared to pay the $11,000 but welcomed a community fundraiser if council preferred another approach. Councilman Hammer volunteered to lead a GoFundMe or community fundraiser. City legal staff warned that donations to an individual would raise legal and administrative complications; staff recommended any fundraiser route be structured so money flows to the city and then transfers as reimbursement. Council discussed tabling the matter but ultimately approved the transfer and sale with a motion by Councilman Johnson, seconded by Deputy Mayor Jaffe; the vote was 5-0.

City staff said Zeke is no longer assigned to active duty and that if the dog is later moved or re-used, logistical work and vendor assistance would be required to relocate or reassemble modular equipment linked to other agenda items. The council directed staff to work out implementation details consistent with procurement and legal requirements.