BETHLEHEM, Pa. — An 8-year-11-month-old Dutch Shepherd in service to Bethlehem Police Department is calling it quits, per doctor’s orders and a unanimous vote from Bethlehem City Council.
K-9 Rico’s veterinarian examined him Dec. 4 at Emmaus Animal Hospital and found “decreased left hip extension,” attributing it to a potential case of osteoarthritis.
Rico has been a patient at the hospital since 2016.
“I feel at this time, he is unable to continue performing at the level that is required to be an effective canine officer without undue suffering,” Dr. Arthur Obenrader wrote in a Dec. 6 letter to Police Chief Michelle Kott.
Following Rico’s seven-year service stint as an “expert patrol and narcotics detection K-9” for BPD, the department’s top cop agreed the time has come for him to take a long-term breather.
“If approved, ownership will be transferred to Matthew Steidel, ‘Rico’s’ handler of three years, so that he may be able to live out the remainder of his life in a happy and loving environment.”Bethlehem Police Chief Michelle Kott
“The Bethlehem Police Department is seeking approval to properly retire 'Rico’ per Third Class City Code,” Kott wrote in a Dec. 14 memo to City Council.
“If approved, ownership will be transferred to Matthew Steidel, ‘Rico’s’ handler of three years, so that he may be able to live out the remainder of his life in a happy and loving environment.”
“Congratulations to our best boy,” Councilwoman Rachel Leon said Tuesday after council voted.
'Rico is retired'
Part of Rico’s retirement resolution from council reads the following: “Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Council of the City of Bethlehem that Rico be extended the gratitude of the City of Bethlehem, which has benefited from his more than seven years of service and the special contributions he made to promoting public safety and protecting the lives and property of Bethlehem residents … that Rico is retired.
"He can relax and enjoy all that life has to offer him … that Rico is extended every good wish for a long and happy retirement.”Bethlehem City Council resolution
"He can relax and enjoy all that life has to offer him … that Rico is extended every good wish for a long and happy retirement.”
BPD bought Rico in 2016, courtesy of a donation from Dr. Caesar DePaco and his wife, Deanna.
The K-9 recently was credited for his role in a nine-hour standoff in October, where he ultimately sniffed out a wanted man holed up in the third-floor closet of a home in West Bethlehem.
