Fuquay-Varina (NC) Retires First Police K-9 After Eight Years of Service
Commissioners approve transfer of police canine Dash to longtime handler following retirement ceremony.
Fuquay-Varina, Mar. 13, 2026 — One of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department’s most recognizable officers officially retired Monday night.
K-9 Dash, a German shepherd who served the town for more than eight years, was honored during the March 9th Board of Commissioners meeting before commissioners unanimously approved a resolution transferring ownership of the dog to his longtime handler, Corporal Matthew Jeslis.
Dash holds a unique place in the department’s history. According to police officials, he was the first police canine in the history of the Fuquay-Varina Police Department, beginning service in 2017 after the town established its K-9 program.
During his career, Dash:
Responded to more than 360 incidents
Completed over 940 hours of training
Assisted other agencies on more than 30 calls
Participated in 45 community demonstrations
Helped seize more than 760 grams of narcotics
Police officials said Dash’s presence often prevented dangerous situations from escalating.
“But then they see that car with a K-9 sticker on it, or they hear that K-9 bark from the back seat, and they change their mind,” Jeslis said during the meeting. “They say, I’m not going to take my chance tonight… and to me and my family that means the world. It’s worth its weight in gold.”
Police leadership said the bond between K-9 officers and their handlers is significant because the dogs live and train with their handlers full-time.
“It is not easy being a K-9 handler,” one official told commissioners. “They are with the dogs 24-7. They care for them, bathe them, exercise them, and train them constantly.”
Under North Carolina law, local governments may transfer ownership of a retired service animal to the officer who served as its primary handler.
Commissioners approved a resolution transferring Dash to Jeslis for $1, a symbolic fee allowed under state law.
Dash will now spend his retirement living with Jeslis and his family.