NAMPA, Idaho — On Sept. 21, Nampa Police lost a K-9 officer. His name was Riddick. The patrol SUV that Riddick was riding in was rammed by a suspect during a police pursuit. The SUV rolled off the roadway and crashed. K-9 Riddick's handler, Officer Cody huss, was treated for his injuries and released from the hospital. Sadly, his beloved Riddick died at the scene.
His loss has been heartbreaking for so many of us. This week he was honored at a memorial service at the Idaho Police K-9 Memorial.
Riddick was one of twelve K-9s in the Nampa Police K-9 unit, the largest in Idaho, a three-and-a-half-year-old German shepherd who was trained and certified in apprehension and drug detection. He served with the Nampa Police Department for two years.
Officer Cody Huss and Riddick were a great team. They were assigned to late shift patrol, where they worked together to help keep our community safe night after night.
Riddick loved his job, and he loved his officer. They were always together.
After losing his life in the line of duty, he was escorted to the animal hospital by Nampa Police officers. His body draped with an American flag to honor the hero that he was.
He was honored and remembered at a ceremony at the Idaho Police K-9 Memorial this past week.
"From all of us at the Nampa Police Department, thank you, and thank you for being here tonight." said Nampa Police Chief Joe Huff. "The outpouring of support since losing Riddick has been very humbling for us."
Hundreds of people showed up to honor him, many of them law enforcement officers from around the state.
"We want to say a heartfelt thank you to each agency represented here tonight," Chief Huff said.
Nampa Police Lt. Brad Childers heads the K-9 Unit, he said this heartbreaking loss has impacted all of them deeply.
"We've talked a lot about the bond between a K-9 handler and the K-9 that they have selected, and while this is very personal for Riddick's handler Officer Chad Huss, I think it's also something everyone can relate to as far as man's best friend goes, the four-legged heroes that we have throughout our lives," Lt. Childers said. "This is an opportunity for the public to come down and join us. It gives them an opportunity and a voice to show their sorrow as well as condolences to our agency."
The outpouring from the public has been incredibly touching. Nampa PD has received flowers, letters, and other gifts to honor Riddick from all over.
"We have 24 states currently as well as Puerto Rico, and as far as Scotland, that we have received condolence letters from. It's just another eye-opening moment about how far this story has reached," Lt. Childers said. "This has been tough for a lot of us, but this is also a chance for us to start moving forward."
This past week, K-9 Riddick was honored with the TDS Hometown Hero Award, and TDS(Telecommunications LLC) made a 2800-dollar donation to the K-9 Riddick Memorial Fund. So many community members have donated to the fund as well.
The donated money will help pay for Riddick's service, and Nampa Police say any leftover money will be given to the Idaho Police K-9 Memorial fund for future needs.
For more information on the fund, and how to donate, click here.