(Photo of Ryker provide by Ambridge Police Department)
Story by Sandy Giordano, Beaver County Radio
(Ambridge, Pa.) Ambridge Police Department’s new k-9 is a German Shepherd, his name is Ryker. His handler is Officer Garrett Kimmell. He has been working with Ryker since 2015, and he was hired by Ambridge in 2021. He’s trained in drug detection  and searching/tracking,  weapon recovery and finding lost children. Ryker will visit the schools  for educational opportunities and demonstrations, according to a news release. Obtaining and training a dog  and purchasing and outfitting a vehicle  can cost in excess of $60,000. The department has several options  before moving forward , buy an older  department vehicle for $5,000, purchase a use k-9 vehicle from another department  for approximately $12,000.  The most expensive option is purchasing a new vehicle for  about $45,000. Donations can be made by accessing a form  or make n person donations at New Alliance Credit Union on Merchant Street. Any questions can be answered by contacting Chief Deluca by email  jdeluca@ambridgeboro.org.