NEVADA CITY, CA – It is with profound sorrow that the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) announces the unexpected passing of K9 Riggs, who joined the NCSO team in 2024 as a seasoned law enforcement canine with three years prior experience.
On the afternoon of March 21, K9 Riggs experienced a medical emergency while at home with his handler, Deputy Kayla Ramos. He was taken to a nearby emergency vet and underwent surgical intervention. Despite lifesaving efforts, K9 Riggs’ condition was beyond recovery, and he passed away with his handler at his side in the early morning hours of March 22.
“Riggs, you served with courage, stood with loyalty, and gave everything without ever asking why,” said Deputy Ramos. “I love you, forever, and always.”
K9 Riggs was 8 years old, a German Shephard, and originally from Hamm, Germany. He worked at another law enforcement agency for three years before joining NCSO for the last year and a half.
Throughout his tenure with NCSO, he had over 50 deployments including narcotics searches and seizures, over a dozen surrenders, and two apprehensions. One of his most noteworthy deployments occurred back on Jan. 8, 2025, when Deputy Ramos and K9 Riggs were dispatched to a burglary in progress in the middle of the night. Four suspects fled on foot with stolen property and K9 Riggs successfully tracked down two of the suspects, locating one hiding in a creek bed and the other in manzanita bushes.
K9 Riggs didn’t just have a nose for justice—he was a beloved member of the community and regularly attended several community events and school functions, demoing his skills and welcoming belly rubs along the way.
K9 Riggs will always be recognized and remembered for his devotion, courage, and unwavering partnership, leaving a lasting mark on the community he helped protect.