Brookhaven Police Chief Brandon Gurley informed the city council at its May 12 meeting that K-9 officer Chico was euthanized on May 8 after a sudden onset of aggressive bone cancer that had spread throughout his body.
Gurley said the Chico, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was responsible for 19 arrests and the confiscation of more than $30,000 in illegal narcotics throughout the dog’s 1.5 years with the department. Brookhaven officer Bryan Castellanos was his handler.
Chico’s medical issues began with a reported sore paw about two months ago, Gurley told Rough Draft, and x-rays and other medical tests showed an advanced and aggressive cancer that had spread to his lungs and other organs.
“After lots of conversations, the vet said this was the most humane thing to do,” Gurley said.
The entire K-9 unit was present for Chico’s euthanasia, he said. A service to honor Chico will be held at a future date.
“Officer Castellanos and his family are taking it very hard, especially his young children,” Gurley said. “These dogs stay with the families when they aren’t working, and there is a great attachment.”
The Brookhaven Police Foundation, upon learning of Chico’s death, has offered to fund a replacement dog for Chico. After purchase and training, the cost of a K-9 officer can approach $20,000, Gurley said.
Castellanos will be given the option to continue as a K-9 officer, he said.
The council, which met at the city’s PEP building, also:
- heard a first quarter executive financial report presentation;
- approved an ordinance to appropriate $87,024 from the General Fund sidewalk assigned fund balance for the Lake Hearn side path construction project;
- approved an ordinance to amend the Capital Improvement Program and the General Fund Budgets for Fiscal Year 2025 to transfer from the Capital Improvement Program fund balance to the General Fund of $2,050,000 for fund balance and $2,733,000 for assigned capital reserve;
- approved a construction contract with RM Concrete Specialists LLC for $87,023 for the Lake Hearn side path project, a PCID 50/50 cost-share project;
- approved the 2026-2030 signs and signals on-call annual contract with Sunbelt Traffic.
The council then retired to executive session to discuss litigation matters.
