ARLINGTON — Public safety director Bruce Stedman presented Annie, a chocolate Lab who served as a narcotics dog for Arlington from 2008 until August, to the City Council Nov. 2, as the city welcomed the newest members of its public safety team, on two legs and four.

Annie was accompanied by Mike Gilbert, her former K-9 officer, as Stedman reported that she “is enjoying retirement, and is adjusting to home life and being an indoor family dog.”

Annie was retired due to changes in state drug laws with the legalization of marijuana.

Molly Ingram, who had also served as Annie’s former K-9 officer, then presented her newest partner, a 2-year-old black Lab named Tara.

Stedman recounted how Ingram and Tara bonded after three weeks of Ingram training with four different dogs.

“They had a connection and make a wonderful team,” Stedman said. “Officer Ingram says Tara has a great temperament and is a hard worker.”

Stedman explained that Ingram and Tara have conducted hundreds of hours of training together within five weeks, and are both certified with the Washington State Police Canine Association and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission.

Before recognizing the retirement of Annie and the induction of Tara as her replacement, Stedman introduced police officer Luke Adkins and firefighter Chris Peterson.

Stedman noted that Adkins interviewed with the Arlington Police Department the day before his wedding, and formally accepted the position while on his recent honeymoon in Costa Rica.

Peterson has been with the department as a part-time paid staff member for two years.

Stedman cited Peterson for his volunteer work, which includes involvement with a school and orphanage in Uganda for two years, putting his construction skills to use on projects for them.