The Augusta Department of Public Safety (ADPS) Police Service Canine (K-9) Unit was first established in 1986. The first canine, "Rikki," was a German Shepherd trained in narcotics detection. "Rikki" was retired in the 1991 due to prostate cancer and hip Dysphasia.
In 1998, a second police service canine, "Rosie," was placed in service. "Rosie," a Chocolate Labrador Retriever, was trained in Narcotics detection and tracking/trailing. "Rosie" was obtained by funds from the Butler County Drug Task Force and purchased from T.A.S.K. in Texas. Sgt. Brit Robertson initially was selected as the handler for "Rosie." Sgt. Robertson left the Department in 2000 and Sgt. Chad McCluskey was teamed with "Rosie." "Rosie" was in service for 5 years before being retired in 2003. "Rosie" passed away on June 1, 2006 from cancer.
Once the decision was made that "Rosie" was close to retirement, we began a drive to collect donations to pay for her replacement. Several individuals and businesses donated monies to the fund and within two short months we had raised enough to purchase a replacement canine.
"Basco" was purchased in September of 2003 from Elliott's Police Canine in Hutchinson, Kansas. Sgt. McCluskey and "Basco" went through five rigorous weeks of training and returned as the new canine team on October 20, 2003. "Basco" was 2 1/2 years old when he was purchased and was imported from the Netherlands. "Basco" is trained in narcotics detection, tracking / trailing, patrol and criminal apprehension techniques, and evidence recovery.
On February 10, 2011, "Basco" passed away due to heart problems associated with his age. "Basco" was 11 years old at the time and served with the Augusta Department of Public Safety for more than 8 years.
Photograph courtesy of Craig Hacker Photography.
Following the passing of police service canine "Basco," several generous donors helped ensure funds were quickly raised to purchase another police canine for the City of Augusta. In September of 2011, Sergeant Chad McCluskey traveled to northeastern Alabama to select and train the new police canine. "Rico" was the canine selected and Sergeant McCluskey spent 9 intense weeks training "Rico" under the direction of trainers with Kasseburg Canine Training Center. In addition to the new canine, Sergeant McCluskey successfully completed a patrol canine instructors school which qualifies Sergeant McCluskey to train new canines and new canine handlers. At the end of their training, before returning to patrol duty in Augusta, Sergeant McCluskey and "Rico" were certified as a full service patrol dog team through a national police service canine organization. The new team returned to patrol duties on November 21, 2011.
The Augusta Department of Public Safety would like to thank the following sponsors for helping to secure the funds necessary to purchase "Rico:" Augusta White Eagle Credit Union, Lakepoint of Augusta, Pro-Kleen, Global Parts Company, DJ Engineering, Wal-Mart of Augusta, Wal-Mart of El Dorado, John Hoefgen; CrimeStoppers of Augusta, Emprise Bank, Augusta Rental, Kelly and Theresa Modlin, Corbin Investments.
