TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Approve the Canine Transfer Agreement By and Between the City of North Port, Florida, and Justin Lindsey, for the Transfer of K-9 Officer Archer to His Handler.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Approve the Canine Transfer Agreement by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Justin Lindsey, for the transfer of K-9 Officer Archer to his handler.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Approve the Canine Transfer Agreement by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Justin Lindsey, for the transfer of K-9 Officer Archer to his handler.
• Pros: Approving the agreement allows K-9 Archer to retire with his longtime handler, ensuring the canine continues to receive proper care from someone familiar with his training, temperament, and needs.
• Cons: Staff have not identified any foreseeable consequences to approving the transfer of K-9 Archer to his handler.
Option 2: Deny the Canine Transfer Agreement by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Justin Lindsey, for the transfer of K-9 Officer Archer to his handler, Justin Lindsey.
• Pros: Staff have not identified any foreseeable benefits to denying the transfer of K-9 Archer to his handler.
• Cons: The City of North Port would continue to absorb the high cost of maintaining the K-9 due to his medical conditions.
Background Information
K-9 Archer, a six-year-old German Shepherd assigned to the North Port Police Department’s K-9 Unit, is being retired from active service. In accordance with City practice, the Department is requesting approval of a Canine Transfer Agreement to transfer ownership of the retired K-9 to his handler, Justin Lindsey. The Agreement transfers all rights and responsibilities for the canine to the handler, requires the dog to be kept as a personal pet, and includes provisions releasing and indemnifying the City from any future liability related to the canine.
Throughout a police canine’s service, a strong bond is developed between the canine and its handler. It is common practice nationwide for retired police canines to be transferred to their handlers so they may live out their retirement as family pets. K-9 Archer has faithfully served the City of North Port and its citizens by assisting in the location of missing persons, apprehension of fleeing suspects, and detection of illegal drugs.
K-9 Archer has been recommended for retirement due to his age and the development of substantial chronic medical conditions that are beginning to affect his operational performance. These conditions have also resulted in increasing food and veterinary care costs for the K-9 Unit. Due to these factors and the strong bond, he has formed with his handler, it is recommended that K-9 Archer be transferred to Officer Justin Lindsey, the only handler he has worked with during his service. Archer has not only been a trusted partner in the field but has also become a valued member of the Lindsey family.
The Canine Transfer Agreement by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Justin Lindsey, for the transfer of K-9 Officer Archer to his handler has been reviewed by the City Attorney and it is legally correct as to form.
The Canine Transfer Agreement by and between the City of North Port, Florida, and Justin Lindsey, for the transfer of K-9 Officer Archer to his handler was submitted to the City Clerk’s Office on March 19, 2026, for signature, subject to City Commission approval.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Safe Community
Financial Impact
There is no cost to the City or Justin Lindsey for the transfer of K-9 Archer.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. Canine Transfer Agreement
Prepared by: Tony Donohew, Special Operations Bureau Sergeant
Jamie Ebershoff, Executive Assistant to Chief of Police
Department Director: Todd R. Garrison, Chief of Police