Arlington Heights’ first police dog in years is retiring after almost a decade on the force, though her retirement is bittersweet.

Layka, a 13-year-old Belgian Malinois, has been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor, though her handler, Officer Kevin Sullivan, assured the audience at a village board meeting this week that Layka will have a happy and well-lived retirement with him and his family.

Police canines and their handlers from neighboring police departments came to honor Layka, who clutched a tennis ball in her mouth as Mayor Tom Hayes read a proclamation recognizing her distinguished career. She helped to recover more than $1 million in controlled substances and more than $1 million in criminal assets, and in 2015 tracked down an offender wanted on several felony warrants.

Arlington Heights had a police dog in the 1980s, but Layka was the first dog to join the force after Police Chief Gerald Mourning reinstated the canine program in 2007.

Deputy Chief Andy Whowell said there’s now two dogs remaining, with plans to get a replacement for Layka this year.

— Christopher Placek cplacek@dailyherald.com

Habitat must build with brick:

Habitat for Humanity’s first home in Des Plaines didn’t get preferential treatment from aldermen this week.

The nonprofit’s Elgin-based Northern Fox Valley affiliate asked for an exception from a city rule requiring a brick facade on new homes. Brick will cost about $25,000 more than siding, and masonry can’t easily be done with volunteer labor, organizers said.

Second Ward Alderman John Robinson complimented the organization but adamantly objected to the variation. Aldermen unanimously agreed Monday, and residents against the variation applauded the decision.

Despite the higher cost, construction will continue on the home at 1419 S. Cora St. for an Arlington Heights single mother with two kids, Bill Klaves, the organization’s associate director, said. Meanwhile, Feldco Windows, Siding and Doors and Wintrust bank have donated to the project. Volunteer at habitatnfv.org.

— Chacour Koop ckoop@dailyherald.com