WYRZ.org 98.9 WYRZ – The Voice of Hendricks County
Indianapolis, IN – A specially trained Indiana State Police Canine has retired from the Indiana State Police. Kazik is a Yellow Labrador Retriever who was specifically trained in explosives detection. Kazik and his partner, Corporal John Riggers of the Indiana State Capitol Police, have been working together since 2011.
Kazik (pictured left) began his career by passing the International Police Working Dog Association’s (IPWDA) Phase II Certification and a National Odor Recognition Test administered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). His first assignment was conducting protective sweeps around the downtown Indianapolis area for Super Bowl XLVI. During his eight year career, Kazik
provided security for high profile events like the 100th Anniversary of the Indianapolis 500, and Presidential visits. On average, Kazik completed about 300 details a year covering the Indiana State Fair, Indiana Judges Conferences, demonstrations and presentations to the public, Notre Dame Football, Indiana University Basketball, and protecting the citizens of the great State of Indiana through routine sweeps of the Statehouse and other state properties.
Kazik will live out his retirement as a pet for the Riggers family.
Corporal Riggers has since began training with a new partner. EDC Loki, a Belgium Malinois, was acquired by the Department in February 2019 and started a 10 week training process culminating in IPWDA Certification. Loki has already been busy, responding to bomb threats, dignitary security, and providing security for large conferences in Indianapolis.
