The Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office recently welcomed Deputy Robert McGavran and new K9 Deputy Rico home from K9 training in Michigan. Ravalli County residents Bill and Katie Scholl’s generous donations funded the new K9 program.
On February 21st, the Sheriff’s Department celebrated Deputy McGavran and Rico returning to work, and also Bill Scholl’s birthday in the Elections Room at the Ravalli County Courthouse.
Sheriff Steve Holton said, “We recognize that we need a K9 team in order to seriously address the dangerous drug crimes in Ravalli County. Bill (a firefighter) and Katie (a forensic nurse) certainly understand service to their community and have always been strong supporters of the Sheriff’s Office over the years. They have donated AEDs for patrol vehicles, participated in the Man Up Crusade to end domestic violence, and promoted public safety at every opportunity. We cannot thank Bill and Katie enough for their work and financial support toward creating this K9 Program to include veterinary care for Rico.”
Murdoch’s in Hamilton has also joined the team and has supplied Rico in dog food since he joined the Sheriff’s Office. Wild About Pets in Hamilton donated dishes, leashes, and other supplies. Sheriff Holton said the RCSO was “humbled” by the support and donations of our community towards keeping Ravalli County a safe place to raise our families.
K9 Rico is specifically trained to detect dangerous drugs, scent tracking, and article searches. The RCSO is excited to add Rico and Deputy McGavran’s skill sets to investigations, missing persons, and search and rescue missions.
Deputy McGavran and Rico have already assisted in developing probable cause for several search warrants, locating methamphetamines, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.