On Friday, Aug. 30, a well known K9, Nia, died from medical complications. Her handler, Officer Jodi Novella, shared the news on Facebook in a heartfelt post. Nia was partnered with Novella in 2008 and started working with the University of New Haven in 2013. 

“My heart is completely broken on the passing of K9 Nia,” said Novella. “She truly made a difference in this world and she loved her work.” According to Novella, Nia participated in several programs on campus, including alcohol and drug awareness, search and seizure, and what it’s like to be on a K9 team. 

“She enjoyed walking around campus and interacting with students and staff,” said Novella. While working with the New Haven police department, “K9 Nia recovered over 1.5 million dollars in drugs from the streets of Connecticut while working with local, state and federal agents.” Nia was hired by the University of New Haven after retiring from the New Haven police department, and according to Novella, “Nia also enjoyed assisting the West Haven Police Department’s narcotics unit while employed by the University.”

Novella said, “It broke our hearts to leave University of New Haven, but it was time to move on.” The team left the university in 2016 and moved to Florida, where they joined the Palm Beach Shores police department. 

“I will continue to keep Nia’s memory alive by continuing her Facebook page,” said Novella. “I can only hope that you all will continue to honor K9 Nia’s work and her life.”

“She was an incredible work dog and partner, and she will be forever in my heart,” said Novella.