The Ashland Police Department congratulated Lieutenant Richard Briggs on earning the prestigious K9 Master Trainer designation in Search and Rescue through the International Police Work Dog Association (IPWDA).

After eight years of dedicated learning, training, mentoring and shadowing, Briggs has officially achieved the designation, reflecting countless hours of hard work and a commitment to excellence in K9 search and rescue operations.

Briggs has extensive experience in specialized search and rescue. In addition to his responsibilities with the Ashland Police Department, he has served for more than a decade with Massachusetts Task Force 1 (MATF-1), one of just 28 FEMA Urban Search and Rescue teams nationwide. He also serves with the Massachusetts Fire District 14 Technical Rescue Team (MAFD14).

Briggs serves as Search Team Manager for MATF-1, overseeing search operations and supervising Canine Search Specialists and Technical Search Specialists during disaster response missions.

Alongside his longtime K9 partner, Pharon, Briggs has participated in critical search and rescue operations, including a deployment to North Carolina following Hurricane Helene in 2024.

His new designation as a K9 Master Trainer further demonstrates his commitment to developing his own skills while training, mentoring, and preparing other K9 teams for the important work of locating and rescuing people in need.

The Ashland Police Department recognized Briggs for his dedication, leadership, and commitment to helping others, noting that his achievement brings pride to the department and the community.