In a heartwarming ceremony at the Fremont County Prevention Partnership’s office, Deputy Travis Bench and his loyal K-9 partner, Ricky, celebrated a remarkable career filled with service, dedication, and mutual respect. The duo, who have been inseparable for the past four and a half years, are preparing for a new chapter as Deputy Bench leaves the force, and Ricky embarks on a well-deserved retirement.
To honor their service, Deputy Bench and Ricky gave one last demonstration of the exceptional teamwork that made them a formidable force in the fight against drugs in the community. With his tail wagging and ears perked, Ricky eagerly went to work, sniffing out hidden drugs in two of three rooms. True to form, he found his target, sitting in front of the concealed drugs and waiting for Deputy Bench to reward him with his favorite toy and a hearty “good job.” The demonstration showcased not just Ricky’s incredible skill, but the deep bond between him and Deputy Bench—a bond built on trust, respect, and countless shared experiences.
The event was capped off by a special presentation from Fremont County Prevention Director, Tauna Groomsmith, and Fremont Counseling Clinical Director, Becky Parker, who gifted Ricky with homemade treats as a token of the community’s appreciation for his service. Ricky, now free from the rigors of duty, accepted his treats with enthusiasm, his retirement officially beginning on a sweet note.
Reflecting on their time together, Deputy Bench shared, “For the past four and a half years, Ricky has been by my side, experiencing the highs and lows of both my professional and personal life. I vividly remember the first day I met Ricky and how he refused to listen to anything I said until I had one of his toys in my hand. Since that day, Ricky has continued to challenge me, constantly reminding me that our relationship was a partnership based on mutual respect and listening to each other.”
The bond between Deputy Bench and Ricky goes beyond the typical handler and K-9 relationship. It’s a friendship forged in the line of duty, where trust and communication are paramount. As they both transition into new phases of their lives, the community celebrates their contributions and wishes them well.
“I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to be Ricky’s partner and even more thankful that he will stay with me as he enters retirement,” Deputy Bench continued. “This moment is bittersweet, as it will be different preparing for work knowing Ricky will no longer be by my side throughout the day. However, knowing he will be waiting at home, excited to hear about my adventures, makes it all worth it.”
As Fremont County says goodbye to one of its most cherished K-9 officers, the story of Deputy Bench and Ricky serves as a reminder of the powerful connections formed in the line of duty—connections that continue long after the badge is set aside.
