Clarksville police K9 Riggs retires and is adopted by handler

K9 Riggs, a longtime member of the Clarksville Police Department, was retired for medical reasons and the City Council unanimously approved adoption by his handler, Officer Lyssed Pacheco.

K9 Riggs, a longtime member of the Clarksville Police Department's Special Operations K9 Services Unit, has been retired and adopted by his handler. Riggs' final official day of duty was Dec. 15, 2025, and the Clarksville City Council voted unanimously on April 2 to approve his retirement and adoption. Police said Riggs was retired because of medical concerns, and Officer Lyssed Pacheco stepped forward to provide continued care and stability. The department noted Riggs completed hundreds of hours of training and patrol work while serving the community. Known details: - Riggs joined the unit in October 2019 as a patrol service dog assigned to Officer Tyler Weaver. - Riggs and Weaver completed a six-week patrol and detection training course, and worked together until Weaver's promotion in March 2023. - Officer Lyssed Pacheco later completed the same six-week certification course and became Riggs' handler. - Pacheco and Riggs worked together for more than two years before Riggs' retirement. - Riggs' final official day of duty was Dec. 15, 2025, and the adoption was approved by the City Council on April 2. - Police reported medical concerns as the reason for Riggs' retirement, and Pacheco was approved to adopt him. Summary: Riggs' retirement ends his active patrol and detection duties while preserving continuity through adoption by a familiar handler. The department emphasized the bond between K9s and their handlers, and Riggs will live with Officer Lyssed Pacheco in retirement.