K9 Riggs – Tulsa, Oklahoma

Handler – Lieutenant Chad Murtaugh

TPD mourns the loss of K9 officer Riggs

With heavy hearts and minds, we’re sad to announce the End of Watch for K9 Riggs. Riggs graduated from the K9 Academy and started patrol with Tulsa Police in 2012. He retired on 5/12/2020 after serving for eight years. During the course of his career, K9 Riggs won the regional USPCA (United States Police Canine Association) Championship for both Obedience and Apprehension work. Riggs made an impressive 88 violent felony apprehensions during his career, and numerous others surrendered just at the sight of his presence. His handler, Lieutenant Murtaugh, says Riggs saved his life and other officers’ lives countless times. Riggs loved attention and often brought smiles to the faces of everyone when he walked in the room, often seeking belly rubs and scratches for an optimal 20 seconds before moving on to the next happy to see him person in the room. Riggs also loved visiting 2nd graders each year after they read the book “K9 Arrow” and getting to answer, or bark, at all of their questions. He often met the kindergarteners at Holland Hall, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Riggs made appearances with Tulsa Crime Stoppers on their virtual reading sessions. Riggs was also a familiar face at 911 Dispatch and would stop by to visit with dispatchers on their breaks. Riggs passed away this week under the care of the Murtaugh family. Our hearts are with them, and we are forever grateful for the service, dedication, and the many smiles Riggs brought to all of us here at Tulsa Police.

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Submitted By Jim Cortina

James A. Cortina has been involved with police dogs since 1972 and currently on the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Jim has been appointed as Treasurer since its inception in 1991. Jim is one of the charter members of the C.P.W.D.A. organization. Since 1975 he has been a certified professional dog trainer and received his Master Trainer Certification in 1985. During his career he has provided armed K-9 strike crowd control for security agencies in Connecticut and out of state security companies. In conjunction with other members of the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. Board of Directors, he helped to draft Connecticut Statute 53-247(e) "Intentional Injury or Killing of Police K-9" which was passed by the Senate in 1993 and also assisted in implementing the prestigious Daniel Wasson Memorial K-9 Award in 1992. In 1993 he helped coordinate the North American Police Work Dog Association Nationals in New London, Connecticut. He was appointed Training Director for the New London County Work Dog Association from 1985-1987. He performed decoy work for Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc. in police K-9 demonstrations, trained several local police department canines, and coordinated training workshops for out-of-state police departments. He participated in the United States Police K-9 Association Trials in Croton on Hudson, New York in 1985 as a decoy. He is an avid photographer and received photography awards in 1989, 1990, and 1991 and currently takes photographs for the Connecticut Police Work Dog Association Inc.
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