Watertown, NY -- The Watertown Police Department K-9 Unit, a cornerstone of community service and law enforcement, has been protecting and serving the area since 1976. Established by Officer Tomas Dawley, the unit’s first K-9 was a German Shepherd named Fox, who worked alongside Officer Dawley for eight years, helping to enhance the department's ability to keep the community safe. Over the decades, the unit has grown, and a number of K-9 teams have been added to the department’s roster, each serving a vital role in law enforcement.
In recent years, the community has come together to celebrate the accomplishments and service of the Watertown Police Department K-9 Unit. Today, the Watertown community gathered once again to bid farewell to one of its most loyal four-legged officers— a Belgian Malinois named Ricky. The occasion marked the retirement of K-9 Ricky, one of the two remaining active members of the department’s K-9 Unit.
Sgt. McConnell, who worked alongside Ricky, shared heartfelt words about the bond they formed and the remarkable work they did together. Ricky, a dedicated and reliable K-9, had a major role in multiple operations over his career, helping to detect narcotics, track suspects, and provide assistance in dangerous situations overall assisting in 626 calls for service to include 4 apprehensions, 75 building searches, 20 barracks searches, 197 drug searches, 30 K-9 demonstrations, 53 tracks, and 13 article searches. Ricky is certified through the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services and through the North American Police Work Dog Association (NAPWDA) in Patrol, Tracking, Aggression, Article Search, Area Search, Building Search, Obedience, Handler Protection, Narcotics and Advanced Narcotics.
"K-9 Ricky started every duty day ready to rush out the door and do his job—whether he was conducting searches or attending community events, he was always keeping the community
safe. K-9 Ricky will be deeply missed by this agency and the community. Now, K-9 Ricky gets
to stay home with his family and just be a dog. We would like to thank K-9 Ricky and Sergeant McConnell for their outstanding service to our community." Cristin Lyon, Watertown Police Captain said in a statement Wednesday afternoon. K-9 Ricky’s retirement is part of a tribute to the lasting legacy of the Watertown Police Department’s K-9 Unit, which continues to play a vital role in keeping the community safe. As Ricky embarks on his well-deserved retirement, the department remains committed to providing the best resources and training to its K-9 teams, ensuring they continue to serve the community for years to come.
Watertown’s citizens showed their gratitude and respect for K-9 Ricky, who will undoubtedly be remembered for his loyal service. The community’s support and appreciation for the K-9 Unit underscore the important bond between law enforcement and the people they serve, highlighting the significance of the K-9 teams in maintaining public safety.
As K-9 Ricky enjoys his retirement, the Watertown Police Department looks forward to the future of its K-9 Unit and the continued partnership between their dedicated dogs, their handlers, and the community they protect.
Chris O'Neil
Trash Media Group © 2025
https://www.trashmediagroup.com
