Meet K-9 Rikki, Our Project K-9 Hero Ambassador

Meet Our Newest Ambassador

K-9 Rikki, Project K-9 Hero Program Member #287, retired in 2024 after an exceptional career with the ATF Special Response Team (SRT) One, based out of the Detroit Field Office. A Dutch Shepherd born in the Netherlands in 2014, Rikki deployed nationwide on some of the most high-risk federal operations in the country.

Seven Years · 250+ Tactical Operations

A Decorated Career

Rikki's work included search and arrest warrants, undercover assignments, and manhunts targeting some of America's most dangerous criminals. Throughout his seven-year federal career, K-9 Rikki participated in over 250 tactical operations and maintained annual certifications in Obedience, Area Searches, Tracking, Building Searches, and Aggression Control.

From the Field to the Forever Home

A New Mission

Following a promotion for his handler that made it difficult to keep Rikki in the field, Project K-9 Hero was honored to accept him into its care. Rikki now lives at the organization's 177-acre Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility in Tennessee, where he serves as its National Ambassador.

On K-9 Rikki's New Role

His presence strengthens our voice, advances our mission, and reminds us all of the unwavering service our nation's working dogs provide.

— Project K-9 Hero

Following K-9 Axel's Lead

National Ambassador

Rikki follows in the footsteps of his operational predecessor, K-9 Axel, bringing that same commitment to the mission through daily appearances, public engagements, and work with members of Congress as a spokesman for the K-9 Hero Act. He is the third ATF Special Response Team K-9 entrusted to the program since 2017 — a responsibility Project K-9 Hero is honored to carry.

The Nashville Distillery is proud to help share K-9 Rikki's story and stand behind the organization that cares for the working dogs who protected our communities.