BRIGHTSIDE: Yuma Police Department retires K-9

One of Yuma Police Department’s K -9′ s retired from the force last week after serving six years helping fight crime.

The police department decided it was time for Raico to retire because he turned nine in July and his speed wasn’t as fast as it used to be.

Raico was first purchased back in 2010 after his handler Officer Malone approached the department about purchasing a new dog.

With the support of the community and constant fundraising, the station was able to purchase Raico for a little more than $10,000.

Raico is from the Netherlands and at the time he only had sport work under his belt, until he got here where he was trained to be a K-9 for the force.

He has contributed to several drug busts and catching criminals.

Officer Malone is glad that she was able to purchase Raico from the department, so he can spend his retirement at her home. She claims that the bond they share as indescribable, and said Raico can be protective of her.

Raico is still full of energy and Officer Malone said he is still adjusting not being able to go to work with her every day. However, Raico is enjoying the retirement life with his two great Dane sisters, and by eating lots of treats.

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