Salem’s second K-9 officer Argo officially entered retirement following the receipt of his official commendation in City Council’s Dec. 3 meeting; however, he has effectively been in retirement since the certification of his successor K-9 Fero on Nov. 1. (File Photo by Morgan Ahart)

SALEM — With K-9 officer Argo’s retirement now official, Patrolman Steve LaRosa reflected on the professional career of the K-9 officer, Salem’s second and LaRosa’s first K-9 partner.

Argo officially entered retirement following the receipt of his official commendation in city council’s Dec. 3 meeting; however, he has effectively been in retirement since the certification of his successor K-9 Fero on Nov. 1. LaRosa said that Argo has been enjoying his retirement and has already adjusted to his new life at home, joking that he had already become so used to retirement that “he almost didn’t want to get in the cruiser” ahead of his formal retirement.

“He’s just enjoying retired life right now, chilling on the couch at home. He’s always had that on and off switch for when it’s time to chill and time to work,” said LaRosa.

A 9-year-old Belgian Malinois, Argo joined the department in 2017 and were it not for the legalization of recreational cannabis in Ohio, could have served for another three years. LaRosa said that while Argo being forced into an early retirement was unfortunate, it was certainly well-earned.

“It’s sad that he has to retire early, he was like a ball of fire even at 9 years old, but he’s earned it, and he’ll have a good life. It’s time for him to enjoy his retirement,” said LaRosa.

Argo has been a boon to the department since the earliest days of his career, locating approximately 80 grams of marijuana and 100 grams of THC within his first two weeks with the department, and several surrender apprehensions which means that the criminal gave themselves up when the K-9 was deployed without the need for a bite. LaRosa said that over his seven-year career with the department he has had approximately 400 deployments.

LaRosa said he took pride in Argo’s surrender apprehensions and his tracking abilities, particularly in his role in securing five apprehensions stemming from a gunfire investigation in the area of North Lincoln Avenue and Newgarden Avenue in January of 2020. Argo tracked three of the men when they fled from a residence, ultimately catching them in flight after tracking them through the woods and a brief pursuit in an unmarked car.

LaRosa also said that working with Argo “was a great experience,” noting that they had clicked together immediately, and that Argo had an incredible work drive.

“He was great, even when he was off leash it was like he was on autopilot and he just knew what they were supposed to do,” said LaRosa.

He also emphasized Argo’s contributions as a “community dog,” explaining that his friendly and outgoing nature made him particularly good at interacting with the community, whether that be at outreach events or while working security at Kent State at Salem where he was beloved by the staff.

“He always did his work, he did his job very well, but everyone knew he was friendly and that you could come up to him or pet him, and that’s not always the case with K-9s,” said LaRosa.

While he and Argo have shared many special memories, when asked what his favorite was LaRosa said that they were still making them together.

“I’m still having them. He gets to stay home and be a pet now with our family,” said LaRosa.