The Saugerties Town Board is exploring the possibility of not filling a vacancy for a K9 officer who retired earlier this year. 

The Saugerties police previously had two K9 officers, one with special training in Narcotics and the other in explosive detection. 

Now, only one remains after the handler for the Narcotics K9 retired, and purchased his dog from the town for one dollar. Police spoke before the town board this week to make a case for keeping the second K9 position. 

The Saugerties police chief says that not having a dog with the specialized narcotics training hurts their ability to effectively combat the opioid crisis in the area. 

"A particular tool in our belt has now been lost, has now been removed," says Chief Joseph Sinagra of Saugerties police. "And, if we don't replace that ool we are going to be at a disadvantage when it comes to investigating crimes especially when it comes to narcotics."  

Saugerties town board member Paul Andreassen says they're exploring the measure to potentially save costs, in line with other municipalities evaluating the need for K9 units. The issue is currently before the town board and will be decided at a future meeting.

The K9 handling explosive detection will not be affected; that role is funded through a Department of Homeland Security grant.