Celina Council Approves Funding for New Police K9, Discusses Community Events

Members of Celina City Council approved emergency legislation Monday night accepting a $16,000 anonymous donation to purchase and train a new police K9 for the Celina Police Department.

During his report, Celina Mayor Jeff Hazel announced with sadness that retired police dog Peng, who retired in December alongside Sgt. Bartlett, recently had to be euthanized.

Hazel said Peng served the department well throughout his career and noted that police K9s are considered fellow officers within the department.

Council later unanimously approved Ordinance 19-26-O, allowing the city to accept the anonymous donation through the Mercer County Civic Foundation for the purchase and training of a new German Shepherd police dog.

Police Chief Tom Wale said the department has relied heavily on assistance from the Mercer County Sheriff's Office and Coldwater Police Department for K9-related calls since Peng’s retirement at the end of 2025.

Wale said the new dog will be trained similarly to other patrol dogs in Mercer County and noted the selection process is important because police dogs typically work around 7 years. Peng served approximately 9 years before retiring.

Council members also thanked the anonymous donor for covering the full cost of the dog and training.

In other business, council approved an emergency ordinance allowing Little Locals to host a free family carnival event May 30 at the Bryson Park District.

The Organizer told council the event is designed to connect local businesses, families, and children through a free community festival featuring games, balloon artists, live music, face painting, food, bounce houses, a petting zoo, and train rides. Organizers said businesses will not be charged to participate and children will be encouraged to make optional donations benefiting MAV Youth Mentoring.

Mayor Hazel praised the event as a positive way to give back to the community.

Council also heard updates that firefighter Zach Metzger completed medic school and firefighter Dylan Feaster completed EMT school certification.

Mayor Hazel also reported the city’s spring trash pickup collected more than 161 tons of trash over 2 weeks at a cost of just over $32,000, funded through the surcharge on city trash bag sales.