Area law enforcement say goodbye to K9 Ricky, who served community well

(From the Joplin Police Department)

Tuesday afternoon members of the Joplin Police Department, Jasper County Sheriff's Office and Newton County Sheriff's Office met to say goodbye to retired K9 Ricky on the front lawn of the police department. Ricky had served the citizens of Joplin with handler Dustin Holt from January 2007 until retiring due to age related issues in June 2013.

Ricky had lived in retirement at home with Holt. Due to deteriorating health issues and to best suit his comfort and well-being, the difficult decision was made to put Ricky to rest today.

Detective Dustin Holt continues to serve with us as a Detective. We appreciate the countless suspect apprehensions, drug seizures and many other accomplishments that Ricky and Holt shared together to benefit the community.

Det. Holt has found comfort in this: “I am your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are my life, my leader. I will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of my heart”.