OCEAN CITY, Md. — The Ocean City Police Department is celebrating the distinguished career of K-9 Smoke and welcoming a new era of service with K-9 Cido.
After seven years of service, K-9 Smoke, a dual-purpose patrol and narcotics detection Belgian Malinois, has officially retired. Partnered with PFC Erika Rhode since 2018, Smoke completed over 370 deployments, including 278 vehicle scans, 49 building searches, 21 tactical deployments and 27 arrests. His work also led to eight weapons seizures and the recovery of $5,390 in U.S. currency.
K-9 Smoke’s journey began in the Netherlands before joining the Ocean City Police Department following handler training at Shallow Creek Kennels in Pennsylvania. Smoke was a beloved presence around the station, often seen making his rounds for a snack, said OCPD. In March 2024, Smoke sustained a training injury that led to complications, ultimately bringing his active career to a close.
PFC Erika Rhode, a certified K-9 decoy and tactical K-9 medical care specialist, has continued to expand her expertise, recently graduating from a 12-week Advanced K-9 Trainer School. Thanks to Chesapeake K-9, a nonprofit based in Annapolis, she now partners with K-9 Cido, a 15-month-old Belgian Malinois born in Poland.
Hand-selected by Rhode, K-9 Cido has been certified through the North American Police Work Dog Association and will take on dual responsibilities in narcotics detection and patrol operations.
“Although Erika now partners with K-9 Cido, the love and respect we have for K-9 Smoke will never fade,” said Chief Raymond Austin. “Smoke was not only a faithful protector but a true friend to all in our department.”
