End of Watch for K9 Riggs
Photo of K9 Deputy Riggs in partner Deputy Danner's arms courtesy of CCSO.
Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO)
Citrus County, Florida - It is with a heavy heart that the Citrus County Sheriff's Office (CCSO) announces the passing of 6 year-old K9 Riggs, who worked approximately 5 of those years as a certified narcotics, apprehension, and tracking dog for the agency.
After his human partner, Deputy Rudy Danner, found him lethargic in his kennel on Thursday afternoon, February 29, 2024, K9 Riggs was rushed to an emergency veterinary hospital where he was stabilized. He was later transferred to the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital in Gainesville (Alachua County), Florida for emergency abdominal surgery.
The tireless efforts of the staff at the hospital was not enough to save K9 Riggs, and he passed away with Deputy Danner by his side. The Alachua County Sheriff's Office escorted K9 Deputy Riggs from the hospital.
"K9 Riggs was an invaluable asset, to not only our K9 team, but CCSO as a whole," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Please continue to keep Deputy Danner in your prayers as he works through the loss of his dedicated K9 partner. K9 Deputy Riggs will be greatly missed by all of us."
"Thank you to our citizens for your outpouring of love, support, and prayers over these last few days," said Sydney Hudson, CCSO Community Relations Specialist. "Thank you, K9 Riggs, for your dedicated service in protecting the citizens of Citrus County."