OCEAN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT RETIRES ONE K-9 AND WELCOMES HIS REPLACEMENT

Ocean City, MD - After seven years of dedicated service, the Ocean City Police Department recently celebrated the retirement of K-9 Smoke, a Belgian Malinois who played a crucial role in both patrol and narcotics detection alongside his partner, PFC Erika Rhode, within the Town of Ocean City.

K-9 Smoke originated from the Netherlands and joined the Ocean City Police Department in March 2018, after completing a rigorous handler training course with PFC Rhode in Pennsylvania. Their partnership set a high standard of excellence within the K-9 unit.

Throughout his career, K-9 Smoke was called into action over 370 times, contributing to numerous vehicle scans, building searches, and arrests, as well as the seizure of weapons and currency. Beyond his operational duties, he became a beloved member of the team.

K-9 Smoke's service concluded due to an injury sustained during training, which led to his retirement. The department remains proud of his legacy and the standards he upheld.

Now, the responsibility of being PFC Rhode's partner has been passed on to K-9 Cido, a young Belgian Malinois from Poland. Chosen by PFC Rhode and certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association, K-9 Cido is prepared to continue the important work of his predecessor.

Chief Ray Austin praised K-9 Smoke's contributions and welcomed the new chapter with K-9 Cido, highlighting the strong bond shared between handlers and their canine partners.

The community expresses gratitude for K-9 Smoke's years of service while simultaneously welcoming K-9 Cido, who is ready to embark on his own journey of service and protection for citizens and visitors of the Town of Ocean City.