A big welcome to Police Service Dog (PSD) Ryker! After a very full career, we’re lucky to have this amazing pup at Ned’s Wish.
Originally from the Czech Republic, Ryker was born in 2016. He came to Canada and served the community of London, Ontario with distinction for seven years, providing essential tactical support to the London Police Service, including Patrol, the Emergency Response Unit, and various specialty divisions. Initially trained in tracking, apprehension, and open area and building searches, Ryker expanded his capabilities through specialized training in the detection of illicit drugs and firearms.
On the job, Ryker was known for his consistency and reliability. He deployed on numerous high-priority calls, frequently in volatile environments where his specialized skills were critical to public safety. His career was marked by many successful deployments and a steadfast commitment to answering the call whenever required.
One particular deployment captures the true spirit of PSD Ryker’s commitment and demonstrates his level of performance. Ryker was deployed on a track from the scene of a residential break and enter where two suspects were observed fleeing on foot. He tracked them through numerous yards, jumping over countless fences, for 4 kms! He located the first suspect running down a sidewalk and continued to pursue and track the second suspect, eventually locating him hiding in a backyard.
Ryker’s career concluded with a high-profile apprehension on his last night shift. Responding to a shooting, Ryker and his handler joined a pursuit that resulted in the suspects abandoning their vehicle to flee on foot. Ryker successfully tracked and apprehended a suspect, ensuring a safe conclusion to a dangerous incident.
Since retirement, Ryker has moved inside and discovered the comforts of the couch, despite furniture being off-limits. He deploys slow motion stealth to move onto the couch one paw at a time, while keeping an eye on any nearby humans to see if he has been detected. When told to get down, he looks away and pretends not to hear!
Ryker has fibrotic myopathy in his rear left leg and arthritis in his front left elbow from his days on the job and will need supportive care to ensure he’s comfortable.
PSD Ryker retires having left a significant mark on the London Police Service and the community he worked to protect on every shift. Happy retirement, Ryker. You earned it!