What about Ron?

That's the question being asked by Sharpsville's interim Police Chief Keith Falasco.

Falasco has been taking care of Ron, the borough's drug dog, since K-9 officer Tom Borton was suspended with pay on June 6.

Falasco told council Monday it will cost about $2,500 to train another policeman to be Ron's handler. He said several members of the department, himself included, have expressed an interest in becoming the K-9 officer.

Council President Jack Cardwell asked if Ron is worth keeping.

If some changes are made to the program, Ron is worth keeping, Falasco said.

Councilman Guy Moderelli said he wants to keep Ron and train another policeman to work with the dog.

Borough Manager Mike Wilson said there has also been an offer from the Hermitage Police Department to take over the K-9 program.

Sharpsville has had the K-9 program for three years. During that time, Ron lived with Borton.

Details on Borton's suspension haven't been released, but an investigation is under way by the Mercer County District Attorney's office.

Mayor Kenneth Robertson said he is waiting for word on the investigation.

After the meeting, council went into a closed-door session at the request of Councilman Thomas Lally to discuss Borton's suspension. Lally said he had some "things" he wanted to say.