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Statesboro's beloved K9 Rio passes away

K9 Rio, beloved and retired member of the Statesboro Police Department, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 2, 2022. Rio retired from service earlier this year and had been in declining health in recent weeks. He was 10 years old.
K9 Rio

K9 Rio, beloved and retired member of the Statesboro Police Department, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 2, 2022.

Rio retired from service earlier this year and had been in declining health in recent weeks. He was 10 years old.

In an obituary dedicated to his former K9 partner, SPD Corporal Kyle Briley said:

He had thousands of deployments and assisted in numerous arrests along with doing hundreds of community demos. He played a huge role in the success of our K-9 unit and he will be missed everyday. I’m thankful for the time I had with him at work and at home. He really was one of one the best dogs I’ve ever had and had a personality a lot of people fell in love with.

He fought long and hard with some health issues during retirement. Unfortunately as time went on, his health declined more and more and he passed away today peacefully in my arms.

I’m thankful for everyone who cared for him. It means more than I can say. Dogs truly are special and we are lucky to have them. They just never live long enough.

You can read more about K9 Rio in this story on his retirement. Rest in peace, Rio, and thank you for your service!