K9 Ridic – Willmington, Massachusetts

Died 4/1/24
Handler – Officer Eric Palmer

Wilmington Police Department Mourns The Passing Of Retired K-9 Officer Ridic

The Wilmington Police Department is deeply saddened to announce the passing of retired K-9 Officer Ridic on April 1, 2024. Ridic, who served faithfully alongside his partner, retired Wilmington Police Officer Eric Palmer, peacefully passed away at the age of 14 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ridic was surrounded by Officer Palmer and his wife, Sarah, during his final moments.Ridic began his esteemed career with the Wilmington Police Department in 2012 after being certified through the Boston Police K-9 Academy in patrol, tracking, and narcotics detection. Throughout his four years of dedicated service, Ridic played a vital role in apprehending criminal suspects, recovering evidence, and seizing narcotics not only in Wilmington but also in surrounding communities.In addition to his duties within the town of Wilmington, Ridic was assigned to both the NEMLEC Regional Response and SWAT teams. His contributions were invaluable in the search and recovery of missing individuals and during high-risk operations involving barricaded suspects.Ridic’s impact extended beyond law enforcement operations, as he enthusiastically participated in numerous community events and demonstrations. From engaging with Wilmington students, to showcasing his skills at our annual National Night Out, Ridic brought joy and excitement wherever he went.His excellence was further exemplified through his participation in the United States Police Canine Association (USPCA) regional police dog competitions, where he consistently placed among the top contenders in various categories.Upon his retirement in 2016 alongside Officer Palmer, Ridic continued to serve by assisting in training new SWAT officers to prepare them to work alongside police dogs. Ridic’s legacy continued to thrive in his retirement, where he enjoyed his remaining years alongside Eric, Sarah, and their other pets.Ridic will be fondly remembered not only as an outstanding police dog but also as a beloved companion and lighthearted goofball, always ready to bring laughter and joy to those around him.The Wilmington Police Department extends its deepest condolences to Officer Eric Palmer, his family, and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Ridic. Rest in peace, Ridic; you served your community with honor and distinction.

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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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