Rico joins RCSO’s K9 unit thanks to citizens

ASHEBORO — The Randolph County’s Sheriff’s Office has introduced its newest K9 Deputy, Rico, a 22-month-old Belgian Malinois assigned to Detective Shawver (former handler of K9 Ziva) of the Criminal Interdiction Team – Urban Unit.  

K9 Rico was born in Holland and imported to the US to Houston K9 Academy. He was purchased solely by private donations from citizens of Randolph County, surrounding counties and other states to Houston K9 Academy, in memory of K9 Ziva, who was put to sleep earlier this year with a debilitating illness.

Rico completed his required rigorous nine-week training program on June 15 with his partner Det. Shawver and he was certified by the National Narcotic Detector Dog Association (NNDDA) on June 18, which included K9 Handler School through the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office K9 Training Facility.  

Rico is dual-purpose certified in narcotics and patrol (tracking, apprehension, drugs, and article search).  He has fit into the team and has been eager to jump right into his duties.  

The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office and Det. Shawver have expressed their thanks to all who donated to Ziva’s memory, noting that the donations were a thoughtful way to honor the life of Ziva and her connection to the community and the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office. ,