Franklin Police Department welcomes new K-9, Rico

FRANKLIN, Ky. – The Franklin Police Department welcomed a new team member Thursday.

Rico is the newest officer on the beat in Simpson County, and through he is a part of the Franklin PD, the K-9 will also be helping the Simpson County Sheriff’s Office and the South-Central Kentucky Drug Task Force.

Rico is certified in sniffing out heroin, cocaine and meth, as well as tracking missing people and evidence. By the looks of him, he can’t wait to get started.

Franklin PD officer Travis Frank, the K-9’s handler, says, “He’s giddy. He loves to work. He’s got a really high drive. He’s 19 months, so he’s still got a lot of puppy in him, so he’s still very curious about things he’s never seen before, but, overall, he has a very high working drive and very energetic.”

Frank has always wanted to work with K-9s, and he completed a six-week handler’s course prior to the dog’s arrival.

Rico was selected from OnPoint K9 Academy in Scottsville as the best fit for the department’s needs.

His training will continue throughout his work with the Franklin Police Department.