Rico, Retired Petaluma Police K-9, Laid To Rest

PETALUMA, CA — Rico, longtime Petaluma police K-9, was laid to rest Thursday, the Petaluma Police Department said. Rico was 14 years old and served the Petaluma community from 2006 to 2013. "Feared by criminals, appreciated by officers and loved by children, Rico bravely and compassionately served the Petaluma community," the Petaluma Police Department said in a statement about his death.

Rico, a Belgian Malinois, was born June 15, 2005 in the Netherlands. When he arrived in Petaluma in 2006, he became Officer Michael Page's "true crime-fighting partner."

It did not take long for the accolades to start pouring in.

"From suspect apprehension, handler protection and narcotics detection, Rico developed a reputation of excellence in police dog services that would garner respect, recognition and requests from local, state and federal partners in the pursuit of criminals, drug trafficking and officer safety," Petaluma police Chief Ken Savano said.

Rico helped make Sonoma County's first narcotics interdiction campaign a success, and "was responsible for the seizure of thousands of pounds of illegal drugs, millions of dollars in drug-related currency and assets," according to Petaluma police.

He was also credited with hundreds of suspect surrenders and apprehensions.

Rico also made Petaluma proud at canine competitions, earning numerous trophies and titles over the years.

He also loved any opportunity to engage with members of the community, especially the youth.

Rico's extraordinary career in police work abruptly ended, however, in 2013 when he jumped from a second-story balcony during a training exercise and suffered life-threatening injuries.

The Petaluma Police Department and the community rallied around both Rico and Officer Page. Petaluma police recall donations pouring in for payment of expensive medical procedures that were necessary to save Rico's life.

Rico did not return to the force. Instead, he retired at the Page family home in Petaluma.

Throughout his retirement years, Rico continued to warm the hearts of everyone who met him, Chief Savano said.

"Rico always knew how to be a brave and fearless police dog, but he was best known for his gentle demeanor and desire to be near anyone," Savano said. "Please join me in remembering and thanking Rico for his service to Officer Mike Page, this community and our profession."