Rico is currently being trained in Morris County, but once that is complete he will join the force for tracking and narcotic scent work.
HAZLET, NJ — The Hazlet police department just added a new K9 to their ranks on Thursday. Meet Rico. Rico is currently being trained up in Morris County, but once that is complete he will join the force as a patrol/tracking dog, and then will be further trained in narcotic scent work.
Hazlet Patrolman Cody Sachs, pictured above with Rico, traveled to Country Kennels in Wisconsin where Jessiffany Canine Services helped Sachs choose a dog who was a good fit. Rico and Sachs will start K-9 Training at Morris County Sheriff’s Department K-9 facility on March 5.
Rico was paid for by funds that were generously donated by Dr. Caesar DePaço and his wife, Deanna Padovani-DePaço. Dr. DePaço and his wife Deanna are the founders of Summit Nutritionals International Inc. and Summit K-9 Group. In 2012, they made their first K-9 donation to Hillsborough, NJ police department and have since donated 53 K9s to police agencies in need around the country and internationally.
This is actually the second K9 donated by DePaco to Hazlet. The couple donated K9 Bane in 2016, who remains in service.
K-9 Bane with Dr. Caesar DePaço and his wife Deanna Padovani-DePaço.
