Pendleton Police K9 Bali retires
By Terry Murry on Friday, February 13th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
PENDLETON – The time has come for Bali, the Pendleton Police Department K9, to retire. The department announced that due to medical reasons, the Belgium Malinois is no longer able to perform the rigorous duties expected. Bali plans to spend his leisure years with Corporal Cass Clark and his family. Clark has been Bali’s handler since he first arrived in Pendleton.
“The police department greatly appreciates the long history and dedicated work of the officers who have built and sustained our K9 program over the years,” Lt. Tony Nelson, who becomes police chief on April 1, said. “Their commitment has provided valuable service to our community through both controlled substance detection and patrol-based tracking operations.”
There are no immediate plans to replace Bali, according to Nelson.
“With the recent retirement of Bali, our last patrol K9, the department is conducting a thorough cost-benefit analysis to determine the most effective path forward,” he said. “This review includes evaluating the K9 program – whether to continue the program or another specialty – that would best meet the current and future needs of our community and visitors. We remain committed to ensuring our public safety resources are deployed in the most efficient, responsible, and impactful manner.”
File photo of Bali and Corp. Cass Clark from Bali’s Instagram
