Officer Hickey forced to raise funds to buy his K-9 partner at auction “Video”

Matthew Hickey, a retired Ohio police officer wants to purchase his longtime K-9 partner but the town says he’s going to have bid for him.

By Sunday, a GoFundMe page set up to help buy Ajax when the city takes it to auction had raised more than $50,000.

Recently retired Marietta officer Matt Hickey has offered to buy the dog for $3,500 — the police dog’s estimated value, but the city said Ajax must be sold at auction because he’s public property, according to the Associated Press report.

Any excess funds raised on the GoFundMe page will go toward buying protective vests for other K9 officers, according to the AP report.

In an interview with WBNS-TV in Columbus, Hickey said he has cared for the dog for three years and that he’s like a family member.

Marietta officials said they’ll only allow a police officer, active or retired, or a trainer of police dogs to bid on Ajax, according to the AP.

Sad story about how a Marietta K9 Officer could loose his beloved partner Ajax. SAT0157 pic.twitter.com/qFcu614SuS

— CBS Newspath (@cbsnewspath) January 31, 2016

Agencies/Canadajournal