On October 21, 2021, deputies from Kenosha Sheriff’s Department were dispatched to locate a stolen vehicle. The operator of said vehicle had allegedly been involved in two homicides in the Chicago area. When the vehicle was eventually found, the suspect attempted to flee, but he didn’t get far…
K9 Riggs was on scene with his handler, Deputy Tifft. When the suspect took off running, Deputy Tifft deployed K9 Riggs, who apprehended the suspect within mere seconds. The suspect was ultimately taken into custody, but tragically, not before K9 Riggs was shot by the suspect point-blank in the forehead. By some miracle, the bullet entered the top of his head and exited out the back, bruising the skull but not fracturing it or hitting any vital parts. He was transported to a Level I Trauma Center, and he survived.
That day, K9 Riggs not only protected the public from a menacing suspect, but he also saved the lives of several deputies, including Deputy Tifft. K9 Riggs demonstrated courage, valor and bravery. He was awarded the Silver Star and the Purple Heart for his actions during this incident. He is a local hero to the Kenosha County community, and now he is also the 2022 Law Enforcement and Detection Hero Dog in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards®!
K9 Riggs thankfully made a full recovery and is now back to work with the Kenosha Sheriff’s Department. You can vote for K9 Riggs to be named the 2022 American Hero Dog at www.HeroDogAwards.org! Root for K9 Riggs on social media using #HeroDogAwards.
