Another K-9 handler resigns from GPD’s K-9 unit

BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Another Gainesville Police Department K-9 handler has resigned from the unit, leaving the unit with two handlers (and a policy stating that they cannot deploy their dogs). Corporal Joshua Meurer submitted his resignation from the unit on February 3, adding to the previous resignations of Sergeant Charles Owens and Corporal Rob Rogers.

The full letter can be read here.

In Meurer’s letter, he expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve his community and be a part of the K-9 unit for the past five years, saying, “It’s been a dream of mine from the very beginning to run behind a dog. It is a passion of mine that I do not think will ever fade.”

He also wrote fondly of Ranger, the dog that apprehended Terrell Bradley in an incident that resulted in the loss of Bradley’s eye. Meurer wrote, “Watching Ranger grow, learn, progress, and become one of the best tracking canines was an experience that I cannot put into words.”

Meurer wrote that his decision was reached after “weeks of prayer” and discussion with mentors, and he based it on several factors. The first was the appointment of Acting Sergeant Dylan Hayes-Morrison as supervisor of the unit; Meurer wrote that Hayes-Morrison’s lack of experience led to concerns about whether handlers would be supported as long they acted within policy and law.

Meurer also expressed concern about Officer Jamie Hope, the unit’s new trainer, saying he “does not have the experience or knowledge” to represent officers in legal proceedings. Meurer wrote, “In my opinion, this feels like a ‘check in the box’ decision for one of the highest liability units in all of law enforcement. It is also concerning that several qualified former K9 trainers passed on the opportunity to be the unit trainer due to their own concerns.”

Meurer expressed disappointment in the lack of support from GPD following the Terrell Bradley apprehension: “It would have been easy to articulate to our neighbors and to the media that I acted professionally and within policy. However, I was placed on an island with no support while being dragged through the mud on social media. I feel that the press releases were written in a manner that cast doubt on my judgment, skills as a handler, and did more harm… Though Chief Scott had conversations supporting me behind closed doors, I feel that I was never supported in public and to the media. I fear that any future apprehensions will not be met with support.”

Meurer pointed out that he hoped his dedication to the job and department would not be questioned as a result of this decision because he has paid out of his own pocket over the years for a special diet for Ranger.

Meurer added that he would be willing to come back and serve in the K-9 unit if he felt he had the backing, support, and confidence of a qualified supervisor and trainer.

According to the letter, Meurer was told he could purchase Ranger for $1,000, and he intends to do that.