Metro Atlanta
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Powder Springs gives retiring K-9 to his handler

Upon his resignation, Powder Springs Police Officer Cory Dilbeck received a special gift from the city - ownership of his retired K-9 Officer Monto. (Courtesy of Powder Springs)
Upon his resignation, Powder Springs Police Officer Cory Dilbeck received a special gift from the city - ownership of his retired K-9 Officer Monto. (Courtesy of Powder Springs)
By Carolyn Cunningham
June 19, 2020

Upon their departure, K-9 Officer Monto and his handler Powder Springs Police Officer Cory Dilbeck received well wishes from Powder Springs Mayor Al Thurman and the City Council on June 15.

Watching the Council on camera from the police car, smiling, panting Monto stuck his nose in the camera, then licked Dilbeck on his cheek and ear.

City Council members decided 5-0 to transfer the city’s ownership of canine officer Monto to Dilbeck for free.

Since 2015 when the city received 3-year-old Monto as a gift, Monto was assigned to and has been trained and cared for by Dilbeck.

With Dilbeck resigning his employment with the city and given Monto’s age, Monto “represents minimal value to police operations without the continued training and care from his current handler,” the city’s resolution stated.

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Carolyn Cunningham
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