Police Dog Suffers Spine Injury in Fall

Rico, the 8-year-old police dog credited with helping officers confiscate more than $4 million worth drugs during his tenure at the Petaluma Police Department, has suffered a spinal injury after falling from a 15-foot balcony Wednesday.

The Belgium Malinois was participating in a bi-monthly training at a local business when he fell, Petaluma Police said. He has undergone surgery, but his prognosis is yet to be determined.

Rico is one of four police K-9s and joined Petaluma police in 2007, working with Officer Mike Page. In that time, he has apprehended five wanted suspects, located more than 1,000 pounds of processed marijuana, 16 pounds of methamphetamine, along with cocaine and heroin, and helped seize approximately $1million in U.S. currency.

When Rico wasn’t working, he participated in many police K-9 competitions, where he won over 60 awards, including two for Top Dog.

Well wishers and those interested in donating to the police department K-9 fund (for which the department fundraises every year), can send correspondence to the police department, 969 Petaluma Blvd. North, Petaluma, CA 94952 Attention: K-9 Rico.