Date of Release: November 25, 2014
WEST COVINA PD K9 “REIKO” TO BE RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL
WCPD K9 “Reiko”, who was injured in Sunday evening’s shooting is scheduled to be released from Animal Specialty Group today, November 25, 2014 at 1900 hours.
K9 Reiko was hospitalized after being shot by an armed murder suspect Sunday evening, November 23, 2014. K9 Reiko was rushed to the TLC Pet Medical Center in South Pasadena where he was met by the emergency medical staff and immediately taken into surgery. Dr. Maureen Roberts and Dr. Freiwald were able to stabilize Reiko and remove the bullet lodged dangerously close to his spine. Their quick actions and top tier skill level absolutely saved Reiko's life.
Once Reiko was stable enough to travel, Dr. Roberts climbed into the back of the K9 unit with Reiko and tended to him while he was driven to a canine trauma specialist at ASG (Animal Specialty Group) in Los Angeles. At ASG, Reiko met Dr. Stephen Bilbrey. Dr. Bilbrey went to work right away and made certain that Reiko would have every opportunity to make a successful recovery.
K9 Reiko is the WCPD’s first community-purchased police dog. Donations and contributions made by businesses and citizens allowed the police department to purchase and train Reiko who began public service in December, 2013.
K9 Reiko is also the first Police K9 ever to be accepted as a Rotary Club member in the United States. Reiko was inducted into the West Covina Sunrise Rotary on March 19, 2014.
Officer Bryan Rodriguez who is Reiko’s handler and partner will be at the hospital to bring Reiko home to recover. Officer Rodriguez will be available for interviews at the hospital.
Animal Specialty Group (ASG)
4641 Colorado Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90039
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Information released by:
West Covina Police Department
Public Information Officer Rudy Lopez
1444 West Garvey Avenue
West Covina, CA 91790
626 939-8500
Web: www.wcpd.org
Twitter: www.twitter.com/WestCovinaPD
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WestCovinaPD
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