HUNTINGTON, W.Va. -- A beloved member of the Huntington Police Department has passed away.
Rio, a K-9, died Monday after he became unresponsive during a training exercise. He was rushed to the veterinary clinic where he died.
Rio had been with HPD since 2009. He worked alongside Private First Class Officer Ronnie Lusk.
Rio's resume alongside Lusk included 50 suspect tracks, resulting in 17 suspect arrests, along with the detection and seizures of cocaine, heroin, marijuana and opiates.
In a prepared news statement, HPD Chief Skip Holbook said, “K-9 Rio was a loyal and faithful K-9 to the HPD and the citizens of Huntington. K-9 Rio not only helped keep our officers safe, but was equally instrumental in our community drug eradication efforts."
