Rest in Peace K9 Rico

Rest in Peace K9 Rico.

⬇️ Words from K9 Rico’s family 😞

“The best most handsome boy. Richard’s boy. Our boy. Rico died protecting the one he loved most and countless others. If given the chance he’d do it again and again. He loved his job. He loved his life. He loved Richard. To say he did his job is an understatement. Trained to serve, loyal and faithful till the end. You were the best.

When we got married Richard promised to always come home to me. Rico, you made sure that happened with all your being and I love you so much that I still get to hold him close. You are irreplaceable. We are heartbroken. I wish you could see all these people paying their respects to you because I know you would’ve manipulated them into giving you all the pets. Despite your intimidating size. You loved being around everyone. Right in the middle of it all. Just the way you were was unmatched. Just like the partnership you and Richard had. Unmatched.

To Richard, you made Rico what he is. A hero. Your dedication to this job- This calling, is inspiring. I’m so proud of both of you because you two, for the short time it was, lived out an amazing partnership and K9 career together.

Thank you to our brothers and sisters in blue across this state and beyond. Thank you to everyone who has reached out. Thank you to Charleston County and the Charleston Police Department. All of the agencies and departments that were out there involved. Our SLED family. To the vet office, funeral home, fellow K9 officers. Everyone. Thank you. Praying for Deputy Gilbreath and everyone involved in this situation. Pray for my husband. He feels them. He sees all of the outpouring love and respect and it means more than you could ever know.”