WEST BEND -- Meet Ryker, the newest four-legged member of the Washington County Sheriff's Office.
Ryker is a 70-pound black and brown colored 17-month-old Belgium Malinois trained in narcotics detection, tracking and area searches.
“The deployment of a canine that is effective in narcotics detection as well as searching and tracking will enhance the safety and security for citizens throughout Washington County. Ryker is an important element of problem-solving policing that will be available to every law enforcement agency within Washington County, ” said Sheriff Martin R. Schulteis.
Deputy Jonathan Doran was selected to be Ryker’s handler. Deputy Doran has been with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for four years.
The canine's first patrol shift will be this week.
