IIKEN N658

K9 IIKEN N658 is a 15 year- old, male Labrador Retriever. After the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center September 11, 2001, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) was created and assumed responsibilities from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Two responsibilities inherited were regulating entities such as airline and cargo companies and the detection of explosives in the aviation industry. In 2008 the TSA established the training and breeding academy. The National Explosive Detection Canine program based out of Lackland Air Force Base San Antonio Texas. The original single purpose /conventional canines were utilized to expedite the screening of cargo mandated by the 9/11 Transportation Security Act. In order to meet the critical demand, TSA established the Puppy Breeding Program. Canine specimens were carefully selected from the best working dog breeds in the world. Canines were imported from Germany, Belgium and Austria. To commemorate all the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice on 9/11, the canines were named in their honor. To distinguish those canines, the first letter of the name was doubled. The ”I” litter was one of the first to successfully breed 7 pups. K9 IIKEN was named in honor of Cantor Fitzgerald stock broker MICHEAL PATRICK IKEN who perished on the 26th floor of the second tower. The pups were fostered for the first 8 months of life by local San Antonio families who acclimated them to life outside a military base. After successful acclimation, K9 IIKEN entered the rigorous training phase where not all pups are successful. K9 IIKEN graduated with 100% success rate. Along with his partner Inspector Rene Morales, served at John F Kennedy International Airport NYC. K9 IIKEN attended many events across the country. He served until being retired due to age. One of the last pups left in the country of the original 9/11 litters. K9 IIKEN lives with his handler and is a healthy senior veteran. WE WILL NEVER FORGET.