K9 Rico – Wapakoneta, Ohio

Died 12/8/23
Handler – Joseph Welker

Wapakoneta Police Retired K9 Passes Away

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Retired K-9 Rico on December 8, 2023. K9 Rico was a beloved member of the Wapakoneta Police Department as well as the family of K9 Handler Joseph Welker.Rico was born in Czechia (formally known as Czechoslovakia) in April 2009 and he was later imported to the United States. Through the generous donation from Brands Lake Fishing Club, Rico became a member of our department. The K9 team of Joseph Welker and Rico went through training with Roger Bice at Shawnee Run Kennels in the Spring of 2011. K9 Rico and Officer Welker later received their certification from the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission for dual purpose (patrol related canine unit evaluation and special purpose canine unit evaluation) on April 22, 2011. K9 Rico received his National Police Dog Certification through the American Police Canine Association.Before retiring in November of 2020, Rico and Joseph received numerous accommodations for their exemplary work apprehending criminals, assisting with drug round ups by multiple agencies in Auglaize County and locating significant quantities of illegal drugs on routine patrol ranging from LSD, bulk prescription drugs, heroine, cocaine and methamphetamines. Rico was also used during high risk incidents.During the 9 1/2 years of Rico’s service to our department, Rico was the center of attention visiting the local businesses and schools. He was the most requested guest speaker but when duty called, Rico was magnificent in getting the job done. He was gentle yet mighty.K9 Rico was a loyal companion who would have given his life to ensure his handler, fellow officers and citizens stayed safe. Our community is a better place to live because of the work done by Rico while patrolling the streets. Rico will be forever loved and missed.Please keep the Welker family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming weeks. Officer Joseph Welker would like to thank everyone who gave support to him and his family the last few days.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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