May 9, 2019 – Washington Co., WI – The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce a new addition to our team that will help combat crime more effectively and has a positive impact on the community. The newest addition to the force is a canine named Ryker.
According to Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis, “The deployment of a canine that is effective in narcotics detection as well as searching and tracking will enhance the safety and security for citizens throughout Washington County. Ryker is an important element of problem-solving policing that will be available to every law enforcement agency within Washington County. ”
Ryker is a 70-pound black and brown 17-month-old Belgium Malinois. He was born on December 1, 2017 in Ontario, Canada. Ryker is trained in narcotics detection, tracking and area searches. Ryker’s tracking abilities will drastically improve the Washington County Sheriff’s Department search capabilities whether we are looking for a criminal who is attempting to elude capture or a missing person in need of help. This resource will be invaluable for the Sheriff’s Department and the community served as well as law enforcement partners around the area. Ryker will be assigned to the patrol division.
Deputy Jonathan Doran was selected to be Ryker’s handler. Deputy Doran has been with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for 4 years. Ryker will be residing with Deputy Doran in Washington County.
Ryker was trained by “Working K9” in Ontario, Canada. Head Trainer Tony Pallotta has spent over 25 years training law enforcement canines and is highly regarded in the field. We would like to thank Tony for his dedication and commitment to training law enforcement canines. Ryker was recently joined by Deputy Doran for a one-week training which allowed them to get familiar and bond with one another. Ryker will start his first patrol shift this week.
AWESOME!!