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Bubka had everyone’s attention at the Warsaw Board of Public Works and Safety meeting Friday, but a giant rawhide bone had his.
Bubka, a 13-year-old Warsaw Police Department narcotics K9, is retiring from the force after a decade of service due to medical issues. He began his career with Det. Sgt. RJ Nethaway and later transferred to Cpl. Brandon Zartman where he patrolled the hallways of Warsaw Community High School.
A celebration for the cocker spaniel took place at the Board of Works meeting with city and school officials and family members present.
Chief of Police Scott Whitaker said, “We wanted to take this opportunity to let Cpl. Zartman bring in Bubka and for everyone to see his family. Just an opportunity for us to recognize and show our appreciation not only to Bubka but also for the handler, Zartman. There’s a lot of work involved. It’s a special moment.”
He said Bubka gave 10 years of service for the city of Warsaw, the community and Warsaw Community Schools (WCS).
WCS Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert brought a big rawhide bone to give to Bubka, who could not wait to have it.
“When you come to a retirement party, you have to bring a retirement gift, so, Bubka, on behalf of Warsaw Community Schools,” he said as he presented the bone. “I figured it out. When I talked with officer Zartman, he’s been in our schools for at least six years, human years. So when you look at dog years that’s 42 years of service to Warsaw Community Schools. And, I’ve got to say, we’ve been proud to have Bubka inside of our schools. Officer Zartman, thanks for sharing Bubka with us, with our students. He has been more than just a drug-sniffing dog. He’s become a friend to so many inside of the schools, and really opened up our schools to therapy dogs.”
Hoffert told Bubka they were grateful for his service.
“This is almost as big as you, so, again, this ought to last you long into retirement,” he said of the bone.
Emotionally, Zartman thanked Whitaker for allowing him to be the SRO and Bubka’s handler.
“Having a dog in the school has been a great asset to the schools, the community and everything,” he said, noting he received phone calls from other school districts asking him how they did it and other questions.
Zartman also thanked Hoffert for allowing him to do it.
“What he’s done for the schools,” he paused. “The drug arrests are great. We’ve obviously had a few of those along the way. But the smiles this dog has brought to kids in school has been the best by far. By far. I underestimated how he would affect with the kids and stuff. I didn’t know, but now I know. He was great, and brought a lot of smiles, not only to kids but to staff. He had lots of visits from staff members, also.”
Zartman said Bubka is with him for two days at school to say goodbye. On Thursday, Bubka was living large because he got to eat so much human food and probably would have more Friday.
“But that’s OK. He deserved it and I’m grateful for the opportunity. Thank you all for showing up and supporting,” he concluded to applause.
Later in the meeting, the Board of Works approved the purchase agreement for Bubka to remain with Zartman for $1, effective Aug. 16. After that date, Bubka is no longer the property of the WPD and Zartman assumes all responsibility for the condition and care of Bubka. The WPD will assume financial responsibility for the cost of euthanization, according to the agreement, when necessary.
Whitaker said the agreement was created previously by city attorney Scott Reust.
“I do appreciate the board allowing us to use this as a public venue to acknowledge and recognize, especially the service provided by both. It was great to see the emotion behind it and see the part of the profession people don’t always get to see, so it was really. I appreciate the opportunity,” Whitaker stated.
