PSD Ryker was born in the Czech Republic in February of 1998. Due to a generous donation from Smith’s Grocery Store and Milk Bone Dog Biscuits, Ryker was able to be purchased by the SALT LAKE COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE in the spring of 1999.
Ryker quickly became accustomed to his new life as a Police Service Dog. Following his successful completion of the Basic Police Service Dog Certification, he started enjoying his career finding “Bad Guys.”
Ryker always enjoyed getting in the truck and going to work. During his career, Ryker apprehended numerous felony subjects including his first apprehension which was that of a “Public Enemy Number One” who had over $2,000,000 in outstanding warrants for weapons violations, explosives, and operating a clandestine lab. Ryker was also very successful in evidence recovery and recovered several firearms that had been utilized in various crimes.
In the summer of 2000, Ryker and I attended the Utah County S.K.I.D.S. training and was certified as a Tactical Deployment K-9. During Ryker’s career, he also had several close calls. He was directly involved in two officer involved/suspect shootings. He also survived a severe motor vehicle accident when our K-9 vehicle was “T-boned” and rolled.
Ryker was able to retire as a working K-9 in August of 2005. Ryker relished his retirement and took it as seriously as he did his working days. He claimed a spot on our couch next to his best friend, my son Cayden. Ryker and Cayden were inseparable during his retirement. They spent countless hours playing “Kong” and chasing snowballs in the winter.
On July 8th, 2008, I had to make the most difficult decision of my life. Ryker had developed a spinal disease and was virtually immobile in his lower legs and hips. Together with my family, we said our sad goodbyes to our best friend and my best partner. My guess is he is in “Doggie Heaven” right now barking at other dogs and chasing his “Kong.”
He is sorely missed by all who knew him……well except for the “Bad Guys” who had met his acquaintance.
Deputy Jason Mudrock
Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office