Courtesy photo / Blair County Sheriff K-9 Rik passed away after a sudden medical issue Tuesday.

The Blair County Sheriff’s Office is mourning the loss of their beloved K-9 Rik, who died Tuesday evening after a short unexpected medical issue, according to the Sheriff’s office.

“This is not just a loss of a dog — but a warrior, a protector, a loyal partner who served with courage as well as heart, and a true fur friend,” the office said in a Facebook post.

Rik, a former military dog trained in the detection of explosive devices, completed two tours in Afghanistan before being acquired by the sheriff’s office in 2017. At the time, the Belgium Malinois was about 3.5 years old.

Rik served as the K-9 partner to Sgt. Justin Bennett of our office.

In addition to serving to protect the community, Rik was family, the post states.

“His watch has ended, but his legacy will always remain in every life he touched, every call he answered, and every memory we have of throwing his kong, tickling his ears and rubbing his belly.”

Among his portfolio of cases, Rik is credited with apprehending a suspect who was fleeing police in October 2023. In April 2019, Rik flushed out a woman who was hiding in a pile of laundry.