Nevada County honors K9 Riggs after sudden passing

Sheriff Shannon Moon told the Nevada County Board of Supervisors on March 24 that Canine Riggs, a law-enforcement dog who joined the county in 2024, died after a medical emergency on March 21. "Despite all the life saving efforts, Canine Riggs' condition was beyond recovery," Moon said, and read remarks from Riggs' handler, Deputy Kayla Ramos: "Riggs, you served with courage, stood with loyalty, and gave everything without ever asking why. I love you forever and always."

Moon outlined Riggs' service history, including training with DTech Canine, certifications in apprehension and narcotics, more than 50 deployments and notable tracks and apprehensions. He said the dog had been purchased for $1, reinstated to service in early 2024, and had participated in community events and school demonstrations.

Renee Bartels, president of the Rudiger Foundation, thanked the county for its recognition and confirmed the foundation had supported medical and retirement funding for canines and would continue to assist Deputy Ramos during the loss. The board paused a scheduled resolution to allow time for the recognition and presented a small memento to Deputy Ramos as an expression of the county's condolences.

Chair Swarthout and other supervisors praised Riggs' community role and the dedication of K9 handlers, and the board invited public comment and community recognition. The Sheriff's Office asked that the board take no action on a prior resolution so that the loss could be recognized appropriately at the meeting.

The board resumed business after the recognition; there was no vote associated with the announcement beyond the decision to defer the earlier resolution.