PAOLI — The Paoli Police Department is honoring the retirement of K9 Riggs, a longtime partner and trusted asset whose service played a significant role in protecting the community and supporting officers in the field.
Riggs began serving with the department in 2020 and quickly became a key part of Paoli’s drug interdiction efforts. Over the course of his career, Riggs assisted in numerous search warrants and traffic stops that led directly to felony drug convictions, helping remove dangerous narcotics from the community and strengthening public safety throughout Paoli.
Beyond narcotics enforcement, Riggs’ impact extended into life-saving work. In one notable incident, he successfully tracked a suicidal individual, locating the person before they were able to harm themselves. In another critical moment, Riggs assisted following an accident at the local fairgrounds, locating a severed finger so it could be transported to the hospital, where it was successfully reattached.
Riggs also served as a familiar and friendly face in the community. He regularly appeared at public events, K-9 demonstrations, and school visits, helping build positive relationships between the department and residents, particularly local children.
Riggs officially retired on December 31 and will remain with his handler, Detective Zack Cook, and Cook’s family. Cook reflected on their final shift together, calling the day an emotional one while expressing gratitude that Riggs will be able to enjoy retirement at home.
“Riggs and I have been a team for the past four years, and on many days he was the only one I had to talk to while working,” Cook said. “The bond between a K9 and their handler is truly inseparable.”
Cook also thanked town officials for allowing Riggs to stay with him after retirement and said he plans to continue bringing Riggs to local schools so children can still interact with him. Riggs will also undergo training to ensure a smooth transition at home with the family’s other dog.
Cook credited the community for its continued support of the department’s K9 program, noting that without public backing, such partnerships would not be possible. He also thanked Police Chief Sanders for the opportunity to serve as a K9 handler and for his ongoing leadership and support.
From the officers of the Paoli Police Department, the message was unanimous: serving alongside K9 Riggs was an honor, and his legacy will remain part of both the department and the community he helped protect.
