𝐅𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋 𝐊𝟗 𝐑𝐈𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐄

Today, the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) bid an emotional farewell to another of its most loyal and dedicated members, K9 Richie, during a solemn funeral ceremony held at the Naboro K9 Memorial Site. The ceremony was attended by officers, handlers, and staff who gathered to honour the life and service of the late Labrador retriever.

K9 Richie was handled by Corrections Officer Class A (COA) Nikolau Luveicei, and held the distinguished honour of being the first Passive Alert Drug Detection (PADD) dog of the Fiji Corrections Service. He was trained under the Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) program in Brisbane, Australia — a milestone that strengthened FCS’s capability in drug detection and control operations.

Born on April 23, 2016, K9 Richie officially enlisted with the Fiji Corrections Service on January 27, 2020. Over the years, he served diligently across all divisions and corrections centres in Fiji, showcasing exceptional skill, obedience, and professionalism in his duties. His areas of specialty included people (visitor) searches, dormitory and cell clearances, vehicle searches, bag (item) inspections, and mail screening, all of which contributed significantly to maintaining the safety and security of FCS facilities.

After more than five years of loyal service, K9 Richie retired on August 27, 2025, and shortly after, passed away due to a gastrointestinal disease. His passing marks the end of an era for the FCS K9 Unit, as he was among the pioneering dogs that helped establish high operational standards for detection and search activities within the Service.

The Fiji Corrections Service extends its deepest appreciation for K9 Richie’s invaluable service to the nation. His dedication and unwavering loyalty will always be remembered as a symbol of commitment, courage, and the strong bond shared between handlers and their K9 partners — reflecting the true spirit of service within the Fiji Corrections family.