Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

I chose K-9 Rico for a GAVC Class presentation project, on Police officers and K-9s who have died in the line of duty. After reading about K-9 Rico i was very upset, he only worked for this department for 1 years before being killed. I pray for the people who are grieving at this time, and i pray K-9 Rico rests peacfully in heaven

Kylyn
GAVC Class

October 27, 2023

RIP Rico

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

October 22, 2023

The First & The Last

The first to sense the hostility of a suspect,
The first to react to protect his master,
The first to enter where danger lurks,
The first to detect the hidden intruder.
The first to take action against violence.
The first to sense his master’s joy.
The first to know his master’s sorrow or fear.
The first to give his life in defense of his master.
The last to be forgotten by those who work with others like him.
They know him as a “Partner”, not just an animal.

- Author unknown -

Javier Cornejo
Police Officer, Retired
City of Milwaukee Police Department
Milwaukee, Wisconsin

October 19, 2023

RIP K9 Rico. Thank you for your service to the citizens of South Carolina

Lieutenant Darren Weisse
Tufts University Police
Boston, Ma. 02120

October 9, 2023

RIP Rico

Chris Di Gerolamo
Federal Air Marshal Service (Retired)

October 5, 2023

Rest in Peace K9 Rico. Thank you for your service. My thoughts and prayers are with the handler and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.

Cpl. Gary Hughes (Retired)
Passaic County Sheriff's Office New Jersey

October 1, 2023

Lord God of unfailing love, to those families of our beloved nation, the United States of America, who are suffering in the wake of the loss of a Law Enforcement K-9 family member in the Line-of-Duty, help us to provide support. Allow us to be their rock and fortress in a time of immense pain and uncertainty. Help us to keep them safe and nourished in their time of grief, suffering beside them as we move toward healing and reconciliation. Lord God, in Your compassionate mercy, hear my prayer. Amen.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” [Matthew 5:4 ESV]

“And ALL flesh shall see the salvation of God.” [Luke 3:6 ESV]
“For NOT ALL flesh is the same, but there is one kind for humans, another for animals, another for birds, and another for fish.” [1 Corinthians 15:39 ESV]

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” [Matthew 25:23 ESV]

Pastor Steven R. Closs, DDiv, MSBS, NCCA, FCPO-USA
Intercessory Prayer Ministry
Merrimack, NH 03054

Captain Steven R. Closs (Ret.)
Nashua NH Police Department (1974-1998)

October 1, 2023

K9 Rico,
There's lots of room in Heaven
for heroes just like you -
God made you for a reason
and you knew just what to do.

You never hesitated to do what you were asked,
you accomplished what was needed
when doing every single task.

An officer or family pet,
you never missed a beat,
You gave your heart when working
or when sitting at your partner's feet.

Heaven rejoices to see you, God holds you in His arms
and thanks you for keeping your fellow officers safe and out of harm.

So send a thought to your partner
that all is well with you
and grant him peace and comfort
each time he thinks of you.

A star is hung in Heaven
each time a K9 falls,
so the light you brought
while you were here continues to be seen by all.

Susan King
Civilian Supporter, Michigan

September 30, 2023

Tribute to a Best Friend
Sunlight streams through the window pane 
unto a spot on the floor….
then I remember,
it’s where you used to lie,
but now you are no more.
Our feet walk down a hall of carpet,
and muted echoes sound….
then I remember,
It’s where your paws would joyously abound.
A voice is heard along the road,
and up beyond the hill,
then I remember it can’t be yours….
your golden voice is still.
But I’ll take that vacant spot of floor
and empty muted hall
and lay them with the absent voice
and unused dish along the wall.
I’ll wrap these treasured memorials
in a blanket of my love
and keep them for my best friend
until we meet above.

David R. DeSau
Patrol Sergeant (Retired)
Lincoln County Sheriff's Office
Newport, OR

September 30, 2023

My heart hurts for you and your Law Enforcement family. Please reach out if you need anything. [email protected]

Deputy (Previous K-9 Handler) Steven Rhy
Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office

September 30, 2023

Rest easy mate. You’ll forever be remembered as a hero and loving companion.

Zachary Myers
Lexington Division of Fire

September 29, 2023

Rest In Peace K9 Rico. You are a hero and have earned your place in Heaven.

Jill Bernasek

September 29, 2023

Thank you, Rico! Dedication, loyalty, and the ultimate sacrifice. You are truly man's best friend.

G. Sherman
Grateful citizen

September 29, 2023

K9 Rico cross over the Rainbow Bridge and enjoy running and playing with the other fallen heroes who gave their lives to save officers and the public.

Private Citizen Kathryn Felts
Mother of & Family Member of Law Enforcement

September 29, 2023

Rest In Peace! Thank You For Your Service!

Pedro Rodriguez; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvani
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

September 29, 2023

God bless K9 Rico. Hope you enjoy all the treats and walks you could ever imagine

PO Sean Cox
Nassau County Police Department

September 29, 2023

Freetime, Rico.

Police Officer Mike O'Connor
Branford CT PD

September 29, 2023

Love and prayers for Rico’s handler and family. Rico was a hero in every way!

Deputy (LASD Retired) Daniel Glover
Los Angeles County Sheriff (Retired)

September 29, 2023

I am sad to learn of the passing of a hero in K9 Rico. I believe our Heavenly Father has welcomed him home into his loving arms where he will now patrol the Golden Streets of Heaven. May the Lord deliver Blessings, Comfort and Peace to his Handler, Family and all members of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, South Carolina.

Retired, T W Martinez
FOP member
State of New Mexico/JJS

September 29, 2023