According to Undersheriff Jim Wegner, the association learned it was not uncommon for sheriff’s associations to accept donations for the purchase of a service canine.  Sheriff Martin Ryan approved a request and committed to funding the protection/narcotics training costs for the canine and the assigned Deputy if the association was successful in obtaining funds for the initial purchase. On January 4th, Deputy Sheriff's Association President Gary Stevens presented Sheriff Ryan with a $6500 check to buy Rico.

Rico and his new partner, Deputy Sheriff Ryan Clark, will begin their training later this month and are projected to be patrolling the county by March 2008. Wegner says Rico is expected to provide a safer environment for the deputies and the public they serve. Deputy Stevens credited the support of citizens and local businesses along with the Deputy Sheriff's Association membership for making this possible. Sheriff Ryan said he was deeply appreciative of the Deputy Sheriff's Association and the business community for stepping forward in tough fiscal times to contribute so generously to the safety of the community and law enforcement officers.