K9 Bali is approaching retirement
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, October 23rd, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – Bali became an officer for the Pendleton Police Department in 2019 when he was 7 months old. Now, as his fifth year of service draws to a close, Pendleton Police Chief Chuck Byram says the early stages of planning for Bali’s retirement are beginning.
Bali won’t be the only one handing in his leash. K9 Corporal Cass Clark will return to normal duties.
“I commend Corporal Clark for all these years of running the program because it’s daunting,” Byram said. “A lot of training has to go into it.”
Byram said that other officers have expressed an interest in becoming a K9 handler. Over the next year, deciding who steps up to Clark’s duties is only part of what must be determined. The chief has to decide whether to find a dog who is a tracker, a narcotics sniffer, or both. He also has to explore ways of funding a new K9.
Bali and Clark are both retiring from K9 duties, but that doesn’t mean they’re leaving each other.
“Bali will live out the remainder of his days with Cass and his family,” Byram said.
Photo via Bali’s Instagram account
