Charleston County Sheriff’s Office announces death of beloved K-9 Rizo

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – The Charleston County Sheriff’s Office announced the death of a K-9 officer.

K-9 Rizo joined the sheriff’s office in 2023, working with St. Matt Anderson, who rescued the four-legged officer from the Salt Lake City Police Department in 2021. “From that moment on, the bond between Rizo and Anderson was inseparable,” CCSO said.

According to the sheriff’s office, K-9 Rizo excelled in criminal apprehension, tracking, searches, handler protection, and narcotics detection; however, they said his most remarkable feature was the joy he brought to local children during many school visits.

“We’ve been to kindergarten and elementary schools with all these little kids loving on him,” Sgt. Anderson said. “And I think that’s why it was so important last night for it to be such a good night for him.”

K-9 Rizo and members of the K-9 unit gathered at the North Charleston Coliseum on Wednesday evening to honor the retirement of Air Force K-9 Tito during a South Carolina Stingrays hockey game; however, the sheriff’s office said, unknowingly, it also marked a farewell to K-9 Rizo, adding that the people of the Lowcountry gave him a heartfelt send off by showering him with love.

“One of the biggest things that Rizo did was he bolstered the relationship between the Sheriff’s Office and the community, and I think that’s how we’ll remember him the best,” said Sgt. Anderson.

K-9 Rizo died peacefully Thursday morning. The unit came together again for a special ceremony for a final goodbye to their friend and teammate.

“It was for us to say thank you to him, one last little thank you,” Sgt. Anderson said. “It just gives us a second to realize these dogs are what gets us home. These dogs are what protect the community.”

The sheriff’s office said Rizo’s legacy will live on through the lives he touched and the community he helped protect. “In every call, every search, and every moment spent with his team, Rizo showed the true meaning of loyalty and service. His protection, love, and dedication will never be forgotten.”