When police K9s retire from the police department, they are treated like any other officer. There is a celebration looking back at their years of service and an honoring of their commitment to their duty. The same goes for when a police K9 dies as everyone they worked with, especially their handler, mourns their loss.

A long career with the Munroe Falls Police Department

Police Officer Anthony Mancuso and K9 Ryot served together on the Munroe Falls Police Department in Munroe Falls, Ohio from 2012 to 2020. Upon her retirement, Ryot lived with Officer Mancuso, who had gotten her at just six weeks old when he was a police officer with the nearby Wellsville Police Department.

During Ryot’s and Mancuso’s time on the force, the K9 had 478 deployments, resulting in 388 arrests, 108 of them felony arrests. Retiring in May of 2020, the Belgian Malinois had been living with Mancuso.

Ryot had to go to the vet

Unfortunately, Ryot had experienced some issues and had to be taken to the vet. It was while being examined by the vet that a major issue was discovered.

“She apparently had some stomach issues according to the vet. She wasn’t acting herself, and unfortunately, the humane thing was to put her down because it was affecting her organs,” Munroe Falls Mayor James Armstrong told the Akron Beacon Journal.

Working within the community

Ryot was much loved in the community where she worked with the Munroe Falls Police Department’s community outreach programs, especially with children.

Why do police K9s retire?

In many cases, police K9s, such as Ryot, retire due to age. When K9s do retire, they are adopted by their handler, or when that is not possible, by another member of law enforcement. This is because their specialized training makes them unsuitable for adoption into a regular household.

Placing retired K9s with the right individuals

In some cases, police K9s might suffer from PTSD just like any other member of law enforcement. And it is felt that their handler, or another law enforcement member, can best deal with any problems that might arise from their time in service.

Ryot lived with the person she loved the most

Fortunately, Ryot got to spend the last year of her life with the person she loved the most. She will be missed by those in her neighborhood, who had gotten used to seeing her out and about with Mancuso. May you rest in peace K9 Ryot.

Watch the following video of K9 Ryot enjoying some time in the snow.

Please SHARE this with your friends and family.

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=794013294064277

Sources: Facebook – Munroe Falls Police Department, Akron Beacon Journal