Ocean City, MD - The Ocean City Police Department would like to recognize K9 Rocco's loyal and dedicated service to the Ocean City Community. K9 Rocco begins his retirement journey today, November 1, 2023.

K9 Rocco was born on December 1, 2014, in Poland. K9 Rocco was trained and certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association as a patrol and narcotics detection canine. Corporal Sean McHugh and K9 Rocco have been on a canine team since March of 2016. They got their start together at Shallow Creek Kennels for their initial training.

K9 Rocco has served the citizens and visitors of the Town of Ocean City for the last 7 and a half years. During his service, he was responsible for numerous narcotics and weapons seizures, 3 patrol apprehensions, and over 100 arrests. K9 Rocco never missed a single day of work during his career and has always been attentive and ready for whatever task Corporal McHugh needed him to perform. 

Not only was K9 Rocco instrumental in keeping residents, visitors, and officers safe, but he also performed several demonstrations throughout his career for schools, and neighborhood watch events over the past 7 years.

During his retirement, K9 Rocco plans on enjoying a life of leisure. He will be residing with Corporal McHugh and his family as the family pet after a long and rewarding career. Without a doubt, he will be missed by our department as a Police Canine Officer.

Corporal McHugh is thankful for the opportunity to serve as a Police Canine Handler for the Ocean City Police Department for the past 7 years. He will be continuing his career as first-line supervisor for the Patrol Division.