Retired Sheriff’s K-9 Dies After Brief Illness

Special to Dixon Patch

Solano County Sheriff’s K-9 “Niko” died yesterday after a brief illness. He was 11 years old at the time of his death.  Niko, who was cross-trained in both suspect apprehension  and explosives detection retired from service in 2009. He remained with his handler, Deputy Craig Collins, after retirement, until his death.

Niko began his career with the Sheriff’s Office in 2003 as the department’s first explosive detection K-9.

Niko has been involved in the apprehension of numerous felony suspects who were attempting to flee from law enforcement. During the course of his career, he was responsible for the recovery of numerous firearms, including two that had been used in homicides.

Niko was also called to the scene of numerous bomb threats in the Northern California region, including threats to our local Courthouse, State and County buildings, and some Indian casinos.